“I hate cutlets done like this,” said Chrissie. “They’re so dry. I like them with that nice reddy sauce.”
“Tomatoes,” said Leila. “So do I. And I don’t see why we should have plain potatoes, instead of mashed or browned, just because Mummy’s away.”
She pushed her plate from her.
“Leila,” said Miss Earle sternly, “go on with your dinner,” and as there was nothing else to eat, and Leila was hungry, she had to do so.
Then came the next course.
“Apple pudding! I hate cooked apples!” exclaimed Christabel. “Is there no cream, Lewis?”
No—there was no cream.
“What a hateful dinner,” both children complained, and as they saw Miss Earle about to speak, Chrissie interrupted her.
“I know what you’re going to say—all that about poor children who have nothing to eat, and that we should be thankful to have anything. But I’ve heard it hundreds of times, and I don’t see why we should have nasty things, all the same. It doesn’t make it any better for the poor children.”
“If your food were not nice, perhaps I would agree with you, but as things are, I cannot,” said Miss Earle.