Mary made an ineffectual experiment, and then persuaded the children
to let her go by assurances of a speedy return. She sped down,
brimming over with pity and indignation, to communicate to her father
this cruel neglect, and as she passed Henry Ward's door, and heard
several voices, she ventured on a timid summons of 'papa,' but,
finding it unheard, she perceived that she must act for herself.
Going down-stairs, she tried the sitting-room doors, hoping that
breakfast might be laid out there, but all were locked; and at last
she found her way to the lower regions, guided by voices in eager
tones of subdued gossip.

There, in the glow of the huge red fire, stood a well-covered table,
surrounded by cook, charwoman, and their cavaliers, discussing a pile
of hot-buttered toast, to which the little kitchen-maid was
contributing large rounds, toasted at the fire.

Mary's eyes absolutely flashed, as she said, 'The children have had
no breakfast.'

'I beg your pardon, ma'am,' and the cook rose, 'but it is the nurse-
maid that takes up the young ladies' meals.'

Mary did not listen to the rest; she was desperate, and pouncing on
the bread with one hand, and the butter with the other, ran away with
them to the nursery, set them down, and rushed off for another raid.
She found that the commotion she had excited was resulting in the
preparation of a tray.

'I am sure, ma'am, I am very sorry,' said the cook, insisting on