It is one of our fixed laws that no one shall leave the table until father gives the signal by saying grace.
Sometimes, when he is in one of his unfortunate moods, he keeps us all staring at our empty cups and platters for half an hour.

To-day I watch with warm anxiety the progress downward of the tea in his cup.

At last he has come to the grounds.

He lays down the _Times_.

We all joyfully half bow our heads, in expectation of the wonted "For what we have received," etc., but speedily and disappointedly raise them again.
"Jane, can you spare me another cup ?" and reburies himself in a long leader.