This was different from much of the table-talk that is heard in many families now.
"I do not want any of that, I do not love it," exclaims one child. "I should think you might have a better dinner than this."
"What would you have if you could get it; roast chicken and plum pudding?" his mother replies, in a facetious way, instead of reproving him.
"I would have something I could eat. You know I do not love that, and never did."
"Well, it does boys good, sometimes, to eat what they do not love, especially such particular ones as you are," adds his father.
"I sha'n't eat what I do not like, anyhow; I shall go hungry first."
"There, now, let me hear no more complaint about your food," adds his father, more sharply. "You are scarcely ever suited with your victuals."
"May I have some?" calling for something that is not on the table.
"If you will hold your tongue, and get it yourself, you can have it."
"And let me have some, too," shouts another child. "I do not love this, neither. May I have some, pa?"