CHAPTER XVIII.
SUPPER
“Elihu Bung” was open upon the table, also the Bible; and in the latter volume, it is but fair to say, she had been reading as William rang the bell. With her pleasant smile of welcome Miss Perfect greeted him.
“Now, sit down, William, and warm yourself at the fire—you are very cold, I dare say.”
“Oh, no: it’s quite a summer night.”
“And, Thomas, tell Mrs. Podgers to send up something for Master William’s supper.”
Vainly William protested he could eat nothing; but Mrs. Podgers had been kept out of her bed—an allusion which was meant to make him feel, too, his late return—for the express purpose of broiling the bones with which he was to refresh himself; and Aunt Dinah, who had the military qualities strong within her, ordered Tom to obey her promptly.