"
"Perhaps Phil will come some day, and give you a sitting."
"Will you come?" asked Jimmy.
"I will come some day."
Meanwhile Mrs. Hoffman was preparing supper. Since Paul had
become proprietor of the necktie stand, as described in the last
volume, they were able to live with less regard to economy than
before. So, when the table was spread, it presented quite a
tempting appearance. Beefsteak, rolls, fried potatoes, coffee,
and preserves graced the board.
"Supper is ready, Paul," said his mother, when all was finished.
"Here, Phil, you may sit here at my right hand," said Paul. "I
will put your violin where it will not be injured."
Phil sat down as directed, not without feeling a little awkward,
yet with a sense of anticipated pleasure. Accustomed to bread
and cheese alone, the modest repast before him seemed like a
royal feast. The meat especially attracted him, for he had not
tasted any for months, indeed seldom in his life, for in Italy it
is seldom eaten by the class to which Phil's parents belonged.
"Let me give you some meat, Phil," said Paul. "Now, shall we
drink the health of the padrone in coffee?"
"I will not drink his health," said Phil.
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