All these dainties were rare at the time of which I write; but they have since grown into considerable use, and I doubt not, as we progress in luxury, they will become common articles of food upon the tables of the rich.

Prongs, or forks, as they are called, which by some are used in cutting and eating one's food at table, I also predict will become implements of daily use.

It is really a filthy fashion, which we have, of handling food with our fingers.

The Italians have used forks for some time, but our preachers speak against them, saying God has given us our fingers with which to eat, and that it is impious to thwart his purposes by the use of forks.

The preachers will probably retard the general use of forks among the common people.
After I had given my order for dinner we started out on our ramble through Derby-town.
Shortly after we left the inn we divided into couples for the ostensible reason that we did not wish to attract too much attention--Dorothy and John, Madge and I! Our real reason for separating was--but you understand.
Madge's hand lay like a span of snow upon my arm, and--but this time I will restrain my tendency to rhapsodize.
We walked out through those parts of the town which were little used, and Madge talked freely and happily.
She fairly babbled, and to me her voice was like the murmurings of the rivers that flowed out of paradise.
We had agreed with John and Dorothy to meet them at the Royal Arms in one hour, and that time had almost passed when Madge and I turned our faces toward the inn.
When we were within a short distance of our hostelry we saw a crowd gathered around a young man who was standing on a box.