“I am afraid you’ll be disappointed,” said Tom. “They seem to me like snobs.”
Mr. and Mrs. Middleton exchanged looks of discomposure. They feared that Tom would get them on bad terms with the lawyer’s family, whom, like true sycophants, they were disposed to fawn upon.
“We will talk of this another time,” said Nathan. “Whenever you are tired you are at liberty to retire. Is there anything you would like first?”
“Yes,” said Tom unexpectedly. “I should like something to eat.”
“We have had supper,” said Mrs. Middleton, in a pointed manner.
“I know it, but I have been walking, and am hungry.”
“It is very injurious to the health to eat just before going to sleep,” said Nathan, reinforcing his wife.
“I’ll take the risk,” said Tom coolly. “If I get sick no one will suffer but myself.”
“Corinthia, is there anything in the pantry?” asked Nathan deprecatingly, for he saw a frown on the face of his spouse.
“I suppose so,” said Mrs. Middleton shortly. “Perhaps you are hungry, too,” she added sarcastically.