about
three o'clock in the afternoon
papa was not at home , and no amount of persuasion or coaxing would induce the obstinate little fellow to take it . It was in vain that mamma promised all sorts of toys , and produced preserves and lumps of sugar to take the taste out of his mouth , or threatened him with severe illness and more nauseous stuff , if this were not taken . It was no use , poor Mrs. Ellis was obliged to give it up ; and heartily did she wish that her good sister Mary would call in the course of the day , for she dreaded her husband 's coming home , and finding that the doctor 's advice had not been followed . It was about three o'clock in the afternoon when the anxiously-expected visitor arrived at Camden Terrace . Of course she knew nothing about Fred being poorly ; she had merely come to make general inquiries , and to see that Mrs. Ellis was no worse for the fatigue of May Day . ` Oh , I am better than usual , dear Mary , ' she replied to the kind inquiry ; ` but I am troubled about Fred now . He is very poorly , in bed , and the doctor has ordered medicine for him , which I can not get him to take .