midday
In the meanwhile he earned a few shillings by instructing children , visiting the sick , and doing other useful things for the busy minister , whose tasks increased as the Colony became larger from year to year . Master Henry 's teaching was not the kind which was practiced by pedagogues of little learning and experience , who ruled with the rod and inculcated their lessons by blows and punishments . Fred and his sister liked to learn , and their lessons were always prepared thoroughly the evening before . So when shortly after midday the young minister would come to Mr. Bradley 's home , he was welcomed by the children with great joy . Mrs. Bradley always kept a bowl of rich , hot soup for him , or some dainty which he liked . But Master Henry was a man of frugal habits , and while he enjoyed his meal , he partook of the food very sparingly . The instruction would continue till four o'clock , the children were given a vacation during which they might divert themselves .