"Please God what, father ?" said Newton, as he came in, catching his father's last words.
"Why, your mother says that we must starve, or be dishonest." "Then we'll starve, father, with a clear conscience; but I hope that things are not so bad yet, for I am devilish hungry," continued Newton, looking at the dinner-table, which offered to his view nothing but a table-cloth, with the salt-cellar and the snuff-box.

"Why, mother, is it dead low water, or have you stowed all away in the locker ?" and Newton repaired to the cupboard, which was locked.
Now Mrs Forster was violent with others, but with Newton she was always sulky.
"There's nothing in the cupboard," growled the lady.
"Then why lock up nothing ?" rejoined Newton, who was aware that veracity was not among Mrs Forster's catalogue of virtues.

"Come, mother, hand me the key, and I'll ferret out something, I'll answer for it." Mrs Forster replied that the cupboard was her own, and she was mistress of the house.
"Just as you please, mother.

But, before I take the trouble, tell me, father, is there anything in the cupboard ?" "Why, yes, Newton, there's some mutton.

At least, if I recollect right, I did not eat it all--did I, my dear ?" Mrs Forster did not condescend an answer.