I did not return to grace the dinner table with my unattractive presence.

Of what passed, particularly, between my husband and his friend Mr.Jones, who had left his luxurious dinner at the hotel to enjoy "a plain family dinner" with his old acquaintance, I never ventured to make enquiry.

They did not remain very long at the table; nor very long in the house after finishing their frugal meal.
I have heard since that Mr.Jones has expressed commiseration for my husband, as the married partner of a real termigant.

I don't much wonder at his indifferent opinion; for, I rather think I must have shown in my face something of the indignant fire that was in me.
Mr.Smith, who was too much in the habit of inviting people home to take a "family dinner" with him on the spur of the moment, has never committed that error since.

His mortification was too severe to be easily forgotten..