“Sh!” warned Mary, but Mrs. Landis laughed heartily. “Easy seeing,” she confessed, “that we ain’t used to puttin’ on style. Charlie, that’s the latest way of puttin’ spoons on. Amanda Reist did it for me.”
“Amanda Reist,” said Mr. Landis. “Why didn’t she stay for supper if she was here when you set the table?”
“I asked her to but she couldn’t.”
“Oh,” the guest said, “I think Amanda is the sweetest girl. I just love her!”
“Me, too,” added Mary. “She’s my teacher.”
“Mine too,” said Katie. “I like her.”
The Landis children were taught politeness according to the standards of their parents, but they had never been told that they should be seen and not heard. Meal-time at the Landis farm was not a quiet time. The children were encouraged to repeat any interesting happening of the day and there was much laughter and genial conversation and frank expressions about the taste of the food.
“Um, ain’t that short cake good!” said Charlie, smacking his lips.
“Delicious, lovely!” agreed the guest.
“Here, have another piece,” urged Mrs. Landis. “I always make enough for two times around.”