This happily diverted his wife’s thoughts in a more agreeable channel. She reflected that in a few days she would be able to buy a new bonnet with her board-money—an article she had long needed, but had been too mean to buy—and she gradually calmed down.
Now, though I by no means intend to justify Tom in his eccentric conduct, I submit that he was entitled to a comfortable bed and enough to eat, especially considering the liberal board he was to pay, and probably he would have found it difficult to compass his desires, but by some such decisive measure as he adopted. At any rate he made no further disturbance, but “kept the peace” till morning.
Usually breakfast at the Middletons’ was a very frugal meal. Bread and butter, accompanied by thin and watery coffee, supplemented occasionally by a little cold meat, satisfied the economical pair. But they rightly judged that Tom would require something more, and Mrs. Middleton was induced to provide a small portion of beefsteak and some fried potatoes, which, in her eyes, constituted a sumptuous repast.
Tom consumed the greater portion of the steak, rightly thinking that if there was not enough for all the loss should fall to those who chose to provide too small a supply. He used much more milk and sugar than the lady of the house regarded as sufficient, but it was very evident that on this subject she and her new boarder were not likely to agree.
Breakfast was scarcely over when a tall man, with a very stiff, dignified figure was seen entering the front gate.
“It’s Lawyer Davenport,” said Nathan, in a flustered manner. “What can bring him here so early?”
“No doubt it is on account of the assault Mr. Temple made upon his son,” said Mrs. Middleton.
“I am afraid it is,” said her husband, evidently disturbed. “I fear, my young friend, you have got into hot water.”
“I don’t think it will scald me,” said Tom coolly.
“Mr. Davenport is one of our first citizens,” said Nathan.