This vocal exercise usually conquered Meg , but John sat as unmoved as the post which is popularly believed to be deaf . No coaxing , no sugar , no lullaby , no story , even the light was put out and only the red glow of the fire enlivened the ` big dark ' which Demi regarded with curiosity rather than fear . This new order of things disgusted him , and he howled dismally for ` Marmar ' , as his angry passions subsided , and recollections of his tender bondwoman returned to the captive autocrat . The plaintive wail which succeeded the passionate roar went to Meg 's heart , and she ran up to say beseechingly ... `` Let me stay with him , he 'll be good now , John . '' `` No , my dear . I 've told him he must go to sleep , as you bid him , and he must , if I stay here all night . '' `` But he 'll cry himself sick , '' pleaded Meg , reproaching herself for deserting her boy . `` No , he wo n't , he 's so tired he will soon drop off and then the matter is settled , for he will understand that he has got to mind . Do n't interfere , I 'll manage him . '' `` He 's my child , and I ca n't have his spirit broken by harshness . '' `` He 's my child , and I wo n't have his temper spoiled by indulgence . Go down , my dear , and leave the boy to me . '' When John spoke in that masterful tone , Meg always obeyed , and never regretted her docility . `` Please let me kiss him once , John ? '' `` Certainly . Demi , say good night to Mamma , and let her go and rest , for she is very tired with taking care of you all day . '' Meg always insisted upon it that the kiss won the victory , for after it was given , Demi sobbed more quietly , and lay quite still at the bottom of the bed , whither he had wriggled in his anguish of mind . `` Poor little man , he 's worn out with sleep and crying . I 'll cover him up , and then go and set Meg 's heart at rest , '' thought John , creeping to the bedside , hoping to find his rebellious heir asleep . But he was n't , for the moment his father peeped at him , Demi 's eyes opened , his little chin began to quiver , and he put up his arms , saying with a penitent hiccough , `` Me 's dood , now . ''
Sitting on the stairs outside Meg wondered at the long silence which followed the uproar , and after imagining all sorts of impossible accidents , she slipped into the room to XXXXX her fears at rest .
broken cry deserting drop given interfere put regarded set spoiled