A lad in his teens will never know beans if he hasn't an eye for the girls.
It was a merry supper, and when it ended Mr. Hacket rose and took the green chair from the table, exclaiming:
"Michael Henry, God bless you!"
Then he kissed his wife and said:
"Maggie, you wild rose of Erin! I've been all day in the study. I must take a walk or I shall get an exalted abdomen. One is badly beaten in the race o' life when his abdomen gets ahead of his toes. Children, keep our young friend happy here until I come back, and mind you, don't forget the good fellow in the green chair."
Mary helped her mother with the dishes, while I sat with a book by the fireside. Soon Mrs. Hacket and the children came and sat down with me.
"Let's play backgammon," Mary proposed.
"I don't want to," said John.
"Don't forget Michael Henry," she reminded.
"Who is Michael Henry?" I asked.