morning, noon
And certainly it was hard on her . She had a great regard for Lord de la Poer , and thought his a particularly well trained family ; and she was especially desirous that her little niece should appear to advantage before him . Nothing , she was sure , but Katharine 's innate naughtiness could have made that well-behaved little Ernest break out into rudeness ; and though his father had shown such good nature , he must have been very much shocked . What was to be done to tame this terrible little savage , was poor Lady Barbara 's haunting thought , morning , noon , and night ! And what was it that Kate did want ? I believe nothing could have made her perfectly happy , or suited to her aunt ; but that she would have been infinitely happier and better off had she had the spirit of obedience , of humility , or of unselfishness . THE one hour of play with Ernest de la Poer had the effect of making Kate long more and more for a return of `` fun , '' and of intercourse with beings of her own age and of high spirits .