The boys filed in and took seats. The servant girl already referred
to began to bring plates of soup and set before the boys. It was a
thin, unwholesome-looking mixture, with one or two small pieces of
meat, about the size of a chestnut, in each plate, and fragments of
potatoes and carrots. A small, triangular wedge of dry bread was
furnished with each portion of soup.

"We all begin to eat together. Don't be in a hurry," said Wilkins,
in a low tone.

When all the boys were served, Socrates Smith, who sat in an
armchair at the head of the table, said:

"Boys, we are now about to partake of the bounties of Providence,
let me hope, with grateful hearts."

He touched a hand bell, and the boys took up their soup spoons.

Hector put a spoonful gingerly into his mouth, and then, stopping
short, looked at Wilkins. His face was evidently struggling not to
express disgust.

"Is it always as bad?" he asked, in a whisper.

"Yes," answered Wilkins, shrugging his shoulders.

"But you eat it!"

Wilkins had already swallowed his third spoonful.