"You each of you had a treacle pasty in the train!"
"What be a treacle pasty?"
I was disposed to echo Mrs. Penna's query, "What be a treacle pasty?" My aunt struck me as really cutting the thing a little too fine.
"You finish your pasties now--when we get to the Palace I'll see that you have something to take their place. That shall be my part of the treat."
My aunt's manner was distinctly severe, especially considering that it was a party of pleasure.
"Before we started it was arranged exactly what provisions would have to be sufficient. I do not wish to encroach upon your generosity, Thomas--nothing of the kind."
"Never mind, aunt, that'll be all right. You tuck into your pasties."
They tucked into their pasties with a will. Aunt had some breakfast with me--poor soul! she stood in need of it--and we discussed the arrangements for the day.
"Of course, my dear aunt, this programme of yours is out of the question, altogether. We'll just do a round on a 'bus, and then it'll be time to start for the Palace."
"But, Thomas, they will be so disappointed--and, considering how much it will cost me, we shall seem to be getting so little for the money."