First Sentence

"I NEVER can tell a story properly unless there are several little listeners gathered round me, and I like to have one rosy-cheeked darling to cuddle up on my lap; so now we must fancy all these preparations made, a bright fire burning, before which we have settled ourselves comfortably, and we know that nurse is not coming with her fatal tap at the door (which must be instantly obeyed remember) for a whole hour yet."