and while there was food of dainty kinds and in great abundance, I did not have as much pleasure in the eating as many a time in my own home when we had no more than the ordinary fare.

It was no fault of any person that I failed in getting as much of enjoyment as should have been my portion, but my own fear lest I might fail in behaving as was seemly. Never before had I partaken of a meal with people of such quality as were gathered in the great cabin of the Good lhill, and I was on nettles every moment, thinking I might ignorantly do this or that which would bring reproach upon my parents.

I was in good truth heartily glad when the governor rose from the table, thus giving permission to us, and I scrambled on deck as soon as it was possible to leave the cabin without seeming to run away, there to turn over and over in my mind all I had done during the dinner, striving to make out if I had behaved properly.

Jethro, who had had no such misgivings, laughed at me for a simple when I told him what was in my mind, declaring that I had come off with credit to myself; but this assurance did not tend to make me feel more comfortable, because of my being uncertain as to whether or not he was a fit judge.