It is very nice of you to invite me to share it with you, but I really can't." "How can you refuse?
I simply won't have it.

Anybody can eat what I cook, even the Emperor of Russia himself.

I am sure you are not yet quite as mighty as that," Esther proceeded eagerly, loading a plate with macaroni and stewed plums.
"Please, Martha, don't make a fuss; just eat this and drink this glass of wine.

I don't know why you shouldn't.

Why shouldn't you eat supper twice, if it is good ?" Martha did not dare to refuse Esther's offering any more, so she began to eat her second supper, which was much more abundant than the first had been.
"What brings you here so late, Martha; what is it ?" asked Esther curiously, for this visit was quite unusual.
"I was going to ask you something, Esther, and I thought that I would interfere less with your work in the evening than at any other time," Martha answered.