uncomplimentary caricature of him as Giant Blunderbore (a name
derived from Fee, Fa, Fum) gaping for hasty pudding.

'That's a horrid shame!' remonstrated Geraldine. 'Dear old Fee, when
the whole treat is owing to him!'

'It is a tidy little lark for a Blunderbore to have thought of,' said
Edgar. 'Tis a good sort of giant after all, poor fellow!'

'Poor!' said Cherry indignantly. 'Oh, you mean what Papa said--that
he is the greatest loser of us all. I wonder what made him talk in
that way? He never did before.'

'I am sorry for _him_,' said Edgar, indicating his brother. 'He is
famous stuff for a landlord and member of parliament--plenty of wits
and brains--only he wants to be put on a shelf to be got at. Wherever
he is, he'll go on there! Now, a start is all I want! Give me my one
step--and then--O Gerald, some day I'll lift you all up!'

'What's that?' said Felix, waking as the enthusiastic voice was
raised. 'Edgar lifting us all! What a bounce we should an come down
with!'

We were talking of what Papa said at dinner,' explained Cherry. 'What
did you think about it, Fee?'

'I didn't think at all, I wished he hadn't,' said Felix, stretching
himself.

'Why not?' said Cherry, a little ruffled at even Felix wishing Papa