I never thought of asking leave , when you have always told me to do as I liked . I never tried it before , and hang me if I ever do again ! '' added John , with an aggrieved air . `` I should hope not ! Take him away at once . I ca n't see him , and there is n't any dinner . '' `` Well , I like that ! Where 's the beef and vegetables I sent home , and the pudding you promised ? '' cried John , rushing to the larder . `` I had n't time to cook anything . I meant to dine at Mother 's . I 'm sorry , but I was so busy , '' and Meg 's tears began again . John was a mild man , but he was human , and after a long day 's work to come home tired , hungry , and hopeful , to find a chaotic house , an empty table , and a cross wife was not exactly conducive to repose of mind or manner . He restrained himself however , and the little squall would have blown over , but for one unlucky word . `` It 's a scrape , I acknowledge , but if you will lend a hand , we 'll pull through and have a good time yet . Do n't cry , dear , but just exert yourself a bit , and fix us up something to eat . We 're both as hungry as hunters , so we sha n't mind what it is . Give us the cold meat , and bread and cheese . We wo n't ask for jelly . '' He meant it to be a good-natured joke , but that one word sealed his fate .
XXXXX thought it was too cruel to hint about her sad failure , and the last atom of patience vanished as he spoke .
John Meg Mother cheese day pudding scrape something table tears