Only maybe the victuals wouldn't suit me.

Last Sunday, afore thy father's buryin', we'd a dinner of duck and green peas, and leg of lamb, and custard pudden, and ale.
Martha doesn't get a dinner like that for thee, I reckon.' 'No,' answered Stephen shortly.
'Maybe it wouldn't suit.

But what more is there in thy book ?' asked Tim, whose curiosity was aroused; and Stephen, proud of his new accomplishment,--a rare one in those days among his own class,--would not lose the opportunity given him by Tim's inquiry for the display of his learning.

He brought out his Bible with alacrity, and read his chapter in a loud, clear, sing-song tone, while Tim overlooked him, with his red face growing redder, and his eyebrows arched in amazement; and Martha, leaning against the door-post, glanced triumphantly at his wonder.
Already, though his father had been dead only a week, Stephen began to miscall many of the harder words; but his hearers were not critical, and the performance gave unbounded satisfaction.
'That beats me!' cried Tim.

'What a headpiece thee must have, Stephen! But what does it all mean, lad?
Is it all English like ?' 'How can I know ?' answered Stephen, somewhat sadly; 'there's nobody to learn me now; and it's very hard.