The first time he paused to take breath I said, in my softest tones: 'William, dinner is waiting; I fear the soup will be cold.' Fortunately he was hungry, and that great central organ of life and happiness asserted its claims on his attention, and he took his seat at the table.

I broke what might have been an awkward silence, chatting with the older children about their school lessons.

Fortunately they were late, and did not know what had happened, so they talked to their father and gradually restored his equilibrium.

We had a very good dinner, and I have not heard a word about the stoves since.

I suppose we shall have another scene when the bill is presented." A few years later, Horace Greeley came to Seneca Falls to lecture on temperance.