"We never pretended to have a fish course ourselves--do you ?" Mrs.Ree did not, and eagerly disclaimed any desire for fish.

The meat was roast beef, thinly sliced, hot and juicy.
"Don't you miss the carving, Mr.Porne ?" asked the visitor.

"I do so love to see a man at the head of his own table, carving." "I do miss it, Mrs.Ree.I miss it every day of my life with devout thankfulness.

I never was a good carver, so it was no pleasure to me to show off; and to tell you the truth, when I come to the table, I like to eat--not saw wood." And Mr.Porne ate with every appearance of satisfaction.
"We never get roast beef like this I'm sure," Mrs.Ree admitted, "we can't get it small enough for our family." "And a little roast is always spoiled in the cooking.

Yes this is far better than we used to have," agreed her hostess.
Mrs.Ree enjoyed every mouthful of her meal.