small pieces to correspond to her imagined provision.

Frances looked very impatient at the long preparation, and as Anne
seated herself, inviting Mary to partake, Frances stretched out her
hand to take the beef for her own portion.

"No, no, Frances, you must not help yourself, you know; wait until
we all begin in order."

Frances very reluctantly withdrew her hand, and, whilst she waited,
betrayed her impatience by a little jerking motion of the body, that
threw her breast against the table, as if she would beat time into
quicker motion.

"O we must not forget William!" Anne exclaimed; "where is he? he
must taste our feast; stay here, Mary, with Frances, and I will go
and find him."

Away she ran, and left poor Frances in a fret at this additional
delay, but she began to amuse herself by picking up the small crumbs
that had been scattered on the stool, and at last proceeded to touch
the beef and chickens.

"Do not do so, Frances," Mary said, in a reproving voice.

Frances colored.

"Do not sit _looking_ on, if you are so impatient; employ
yourself, and get a seat ready for William."