1.When the clean white cloth is laid，And the cups are on the table，When the tea and toast are made，That’s a happy time for Mabel.
Stealing to her mother‘s side，In her ear she whispers low，“When papa comes in I’ll hide；Do not tell him where I go，”
2.On her knees upon the floor，In below the sofa creeping；When she hears him at the door，She pretendsthat she is sleeping.
“Where is Mabel？”father cries，Looking round and round about.
And he laughs and shakes his head，Says to mother，“I supposeMabel has been put to bed.”
4.But when he sits down to tea，From beneath the sofa creeping，Mabel climbs upon his knee，Claps her hands：“I was not sleeping.”When he asks，“Where is my girl’s⑦Very secrethiding-place？”