My boy knew this by experience.

By my manner of speaking he saw that I was in earnest, and that, if he did not obey me, punishment would follow.

So, with what must have been a powerful effort for one so young, he stifled the utterance of his grief.

But, the storm within raged none the less violently, and I could see his little frame quiver as he strove to repress the rising sobs.
Turning away from me, he went and sat down on a low seat in a corner of the room.

I saw his form in the glass as I stood before it to arrange my hair, after laying aside my bonnet; and for the first time my feelings were touched.