rested at Lettice's hand, and, before Gordon, a portentous
platter held three gaunt, brown chickens with
brilliant yellow legs stiffly in air. Between these
two gastronomic poles was a dish of heaped, quivering
poached eggs, the inevitable gravy boat, steaming
potatoes and a choice of pies. Gordon dismembered
the chickens, and, as the plates circled the
table, they accumulated potatoes and gravy and eggs.
Barnwell K., through an oversight, was defrauded
of the last item, and proceeded to remedy the omission.
He thrust his knife into the slippery, poached
mass. At best a delicate operation, he erred, eggs
slipped, and a thick yellow stream flowed sluggishly
to the rim of the plate. His mother met this fault
of manner with profuse, disconcerted apologies.
She shook him so vigorously that his chair rattled.
Simeon Caley lifted the heavy coffee pot for Lettice.

Mrs. Caley's service was abrupt, efficient; she set
down plates of hot bread with a clatter; she rattled
the stove lids from without, and complained of General
Jackson, faithfully following her every movement.

Sim Caley wielded an adroit knife; but, under
the extraordinary pressure of this bountiful repast,
Rutherford Berry easily outdistanced him. He consumed
such unlimited amounts that he gained the
audible displeasure of his wife.

[[224]]

p223 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p224w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p225

v?