The toast was badly made, and the chocolate not half boiled.

Mrs.Ellis was annoyed, and scolded the cook, in the presence of her husband, soundly; thus depriving him of the little appetite with which he had come to the table.

Gradually the unhappy man felt his patience and forbearance leaving him; and more than once he said to himself-- "It will be worse than useless to talk to her.

She will throw back my words upon me, in the beginning, as she has so often done before." Tea over, Mr.and Mrs.Ellis returned with their children to the sitting-room.

The former felt an almost irrepressible desire for the cigar, which habit had rendered so nearly indispensable; but he denied himself the indulgence, lest Cara should make it the occasion of some annoying remark.