What a sad thing it is that stories of this kind are often told to deceive people, and get money out of them on false pretences! But Emily and Henry saw how thin and ragged these poor children were, and Emily thought of a plan of giving them a supper without taking what they gave from her father. So she proposed her scheme to Henry, and he said:
"That will just do; I did not think of it."
Emily then said to the children:
"Sit down here; we will take naughty Mag into the house, and come back to you;" and she and Henry were off in a minute. They ran in to Betty, and asked her what she had for their supper. Betty was shelling peas in the kitchen, and she told them that she was going to cook them for her master and mistress; and she said:
"I suppose, Miss Emily, you and your brother will sup with your parents to-night."
"But, if you please, we would rather have our supper now," said Emily.
"That we would," cried Henry; "so please, Betty, do give us something now."
"Then you must not have a second supper, Master Henry," said Betty, "if I give you something to eat now."
"Very well, Betty," replied both children at once; "but we would like it now, instead of waiting later for papa and mamma."
So Betty gave each a currant turnover or puff, and a slice of bread and some milk.