He turned apologetically to Ruth. "You don't happen to have any candy, do you?" he whispered.
Ruth promptly produced the box of chocolates which was but half empty. She had been so much more abundantly fed than usual that she had not been able to eat all the candy.
"Just give them to Bertie," whispered Mr. Mayfield, "and I will get you some more."
Ruth obediently slipped the box into his hand and he gave her a smile.
"Here, Bertie," he said, "see what Cousin Ruth has for you. Papa didn't bring you any candy, but Cousin Ruth did."
At this Bertie rushed from his mother's embrace and grabbed the box from his father's hand.
"'Tain't but, half full," he whined. Then turning, he gave Ruth a push. "You mean old fing," he cried, "why didn't you bring me a whole box?"
"Now, Bertie," said his mother, "that's not a pretty way to talk. I am sure you ought to say, 'Thank you,' to your cousin. Won't you say, 'Thank you'?"
"No, I won't," returned Bertie, beginning to gobble down some of the chocolates as fast as he could.
Ruth was shocked. Such an ill-mannered child she had never seen. She felt mightily ashamed for him.