seven o'clock
I do n't want anything myself , but you must prepare some oatmeal , and boil some eggs for Jack and yourself . Tell Jack he must stay in bed a little while longer , but that just as soon as I can I will come and dress him . '' That was the strangest morning Betty and Jack had ever spent . Never before in their remembrance had their mother failed to be up and about by seven o'clock . Even in those sad days , which Betty could just remember , after their father 's death , her own grief had never prevented her from fulfilling the little household duties . Now she lay still , with closed eyes , scarcely noticing what went on about her . Betty brought her some tea , and she drank it thirstily , but refused to touch any food .