The pease
pudding, too, the gravy and mustard, like the Eastern rose in
respect of the nightingale, if they were not absolutely pork, had
lived near it; so, upon the whole, there was the flavour of a
middle-sized pig. It was irresistible to the Tetterbys in bed,
who, though professing to slumber peacefully, crawled out when
unseen by their parents, and silently appealed to their brothers
for any gastronomic token of fraternal affection. They, not hard
of heart, presenting scraps in return, it resulted that a party of
light skirmishers in nightgowns were careering about the parlour
all through supper, which harassed Mr. Tetterby exceedingly, and
once or twice imposed upon him the necessity of a charge, before
which these guerilla troops retired in all directions and in great
confusion.
Mrs. Tetterby did not enjoy her supper. There seemed to be
something on Mrs. Tetterby's mind. At one time she laughed without
reason, and at another time she cried without reason, and at last
she laughed and cried together in a manner so very unreasonable
that her husband was confounded.
"My little woman," said Mr. Tetterby, "if the world goes that way,
it appears to go the wrong way, and to choke you."
"Give me a drop of water," said Mrs. Tetterby, struggling with
herself, "and don't speak to me for the present, or take any notice
of me.
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