They did not let us boys be there, though I cannot see any harm in putting your finger in a cake before it is baked, and then licking your finger, if you are careful to put a different finger in the cake next time.

Cake before it is baked is delicious--like a sort of cream.
Albert's uncle said he was the prey of despair.

He drove in to Maidstone one day.

When we asked him where he was going, he said-- 'To get my hair cut: if I keep it this length I shall certainly tear it out by double handfuls in the extremity of my anguish every time I think of those innumerable Antiquities.' But we found out afterwards that he really went to borrow china and things to give the Antiquities their tea out of; though he did have his hair cut too, because he is the soul of truth and honour.
Oswald had a very good sort of birthday, with bows and arrows as well as other presents.

I think these were meant to make up for the pistol that was taken away after the adventure of the fox-hunting.