The fish were small and bony, and the potatoes were a little burnt.

We all acknowledged that we felt this something of a disappointment; but Mrs.
Gummidge said she felt it more than we did, and shed tears again, and made that former declaration with great bitterness.
Accordingly, when Mr.Peggotty came home about nine o'clock, this unfortunate Mrs.Gummidge was knitting in her corner, in a very wretched and miserable condition.

Peggotty had been working cheerfully.

Ham had been patching up a great pair of waterboots; and I, with little Em'ly by my side, had been reading to them.

Mrs.Gummidge had never made any other remark than a forlorn sigh, and had never raised her eyes since tea.
'Well, Mates,' said Mr.Peggotty, taking his seat, 'and how are you ?' We all said something, or looked something, to welcome him, except Mrs.
Gummidge, who only shook her head over her knitting.
'What's amiss ?' said Mr.Peggotty, with a clap of his hands.