"It seems wrong to be eating, when-- when there's others--one's own, too--going hungry!" "Nonsense now," said Thomas gruffly; "don't 'ee talk like that, mother, it's foolish.

We've got to think of ourselves and those about us, and it's our duty to eat and drink and be sensible, whether we likes it or not." He spoke gruffly, because he felt that if he spoke in any other way, he or Patience would break down.
Jessie came to their help, though.

"My rose is nearly out, granp," she announced proudly, as soon as she was able to lift her thoughts from the wonderful experience of having an egg _and_ bacon for breakfast.

"I saw it all showing pink.

I expect by the time we've finished our breakfases it will be right wide out.