"Alfred lived in the country; and during the Christmas holidays, he
visited a friend of his who lived in the city. Then his friend in turn
visited him during the summer vacation.

"As soon as his company came, Alfred thought it was quite too much for
his mother to ask him to help her. He forgot how very ill she had been,
and how frail she still was. Indeed, it was hard for him to think of
anything but having a good time with his friend.

"The two boys had planned to spend a certain day at the creek, fishing.
Of course they were eager to start as early as they could that morning.
After they had gathered together everything that they needed for their
trip, they went out to the kitchen and found Alfred's mother packing a
lunch for them.

"'Alfred,' she said, 'I wish you would help me a little with the work
before you go. I am afraid that I shall not be able to do it all alone.
Would you mind stopping long enough to wash the dishes and clean up the
kitchen for me?'

"Alfred began to pout, but his mother continued, 'I really wish you were
not going fishing today. Your father will be away all day; and I would
rather not be left alone, for I do not feel as well as usual. But I will
not keep you, if you will wash the dishes before you go.'

"'Now, Mother,' said Alfred angrily, 'why do you ask me to do that, when
you know I want to get started early? If I have to wait half the day, I
don't care to go at all.'