But, ere she reached the chamber, her heart plead so strongly for the lad, that she paused, stood musing for a few moments, and then returned to the dining-room.

A few slices of tongue, some biscuit, bread and butter, and a cup of tea were taken from the table, and with these Mrs.
Howland returned up stairs.

Unexpectedly, her husband met her on the way.
"Who is that for ?" he asked, in a voice of surprise, seeing the articles Mrs.Howland was bearing on the tray.
"It is Andrew's supper," was replied; and as Mrs.Howland said this, her eyes drooped, abashed beneath the stern and rebuking gaze of her husband.
"Esther! Is it possible!" exclaimed Mr.Howland.

"Didn't I say that Andrew must have nothing but bread and water for his supper ?" "He has had no dinner," murmured the mother.
"I don't care if he had nothing to eat for a week.

I said he should have only bread and water, and I meant what I said.