I taught her mysel'," said Peter.
"Now, then, little maid, 'For what we'm about--'"
She spoke the simple Grace and the company sat down--with the
exception of Paul.
Now, Paul's position at table faced the fireplace, and as he raised
his head after Grace a large text in red and blue upon the
mantelshelf caught his eye, and held him spell-bound.
"'Paice on Earth an' Goodwill to-ward Men!'" he read. "Excuse me,
sir, but nothin' more appropriate to the occashun can I imagine.
Et does 'ee credit--ef I may say so."
He dropped into his seat, and taking off his gloves laid them beside
his glasses. Peter, more ceremonious, retained his throughout the
meal.
"I am afraid," explained their host, "that the credit belongs to
Caleb, who insisted upon placing the text there; and as he had
obtained it with considerable trouble from the Vicar (it was used, I
believe, to decorate St. Symphorian's last Christmas), I had not the
heart to deny him. But for what are we waiting?"
He was answered by the appearance of Caleb, who marched up to Tamsin
with a woeful face, and announced in a loud whisper that "Suthin' was
up wi' the soup."
"I think," said she, rising, "if you will let me help--"
"Sutt'nly," assented Peter in a loud tone. "To be sure--that es,
beggin' your pard'n, sir," he added apologetically.
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