Until five minutes ago no one told me--" "It's all right," called back Brother Copas, still looking over his shoulder while his right hand extended the plate.

"His turn is just called, and I am getting it for him." Strange to say, his voice reached the Nurse across an almost dead silence; for the laughter had died down at sight of a child--Corona-- beside her in the doorway.
"But your plate will be cold.

Here, change it for mine!" "Well thought upon! Wait a second!" But before Brother Copas could withdraw the plate a dollop of meat had been dumped upon it.
"Eh?
but wait--look here!--" He turned about, stared at the plate, stared from the plate to the dish of scrag.

The meat on the plate was pork, and the dish of scrag was empty.

Brother Inchbald had changed his mind at the last moment and chosen mutton.
The Brethren, led by Mrs.Royle, cackled again at sight of his dismay.