At length the supper hour arrived, and the pieces of beef which struck Mary with such astonishment were placed on the table, and two great plum-puddings at the head, and two at the foot, and a great apple-pie in the middle; a large piece of bread and a mug of ale were also placed to every plate. All had been arranged in the nicest order by Mrs. Harrison, who now took the head of the table.
Mr. Richmond walked through the hall with the children, to see that every thing was right, and that the people were comfortable. All the farming men were there, with their wives and children, who looked the pictures of health and joy: they were all standing round the table. When Mr. Richmond entered, the men bowed, the women curtsied, and the children followed the example of their parents.
"Is every thing ready, Mrs. Harrison?" asked Mr. Richmond.
"Yes, Sir; every thing," was the reply.
"Then say grace, and begin your supper," rejoined he.
Grace was accordingly said, and the company having taken their seats, Mrs. Harrison began carving. When Mr. Richmond had seen them all helped, he wished them a good appetite, and (that they might enjoy themselves without restraint) withdrew with his delighted little visitors.
Nor had the guests been forgotten; for when the children entered the dining parlour they found an excellent supper laid out for them.
And now the cloth being removed, Mr. Richmond once more entered the hall, and threw open the folding doors, that the children might see the people.