And how that abominable Mr. Perry did eat ! He even picked poor Adam 's bones . Neither Faith nor Una would touch a mouthful , and looked upon the boys as little better than cannibals . Faith felt that if that awful repast did not soon come to an end she would wind it up by throwing something at Mr. Perry 's gleaming head . Fortunately , Mr. Perry found Aunt Martha 's leathery apple pie too much even for his powers of mastication and the meal came to an end , after a long grace in which Mr. Perry offered up devout thanks for the food which a kind and beneficent Providence had provided for sustenance and temperate pleasure . `` God had n't a single thing to do with providing Adam for you , '' muttered Faith rebelliously under her breath . The boys gladly made their escape to outdoors , Una went to help Aunt Martha with the dishes -- though that rather grumpy old dame never welcomed her timid assistance -- and Faith betook herself to the study where a cheerful wood fire was burning in the grate . She thought she would thereby escape from the hated Mr. Perry , who had announced his intention of taking a nap in his room during the afternoon . But scarcely had Faith settled herself in a corner , with a book , when he walked in and , standing before the fire , proceeded to survey the disorderly study with an air of disapproval . `` You father 's books seem to be in somewhat deplorable confusion , my little girl , '' he said severely . Faith darkled in her corner and said not a word . She would NOT talk to this -- this creature . `` You should try to put them in order , '' Mr. Perry went on , playing with his handsome watch chain and smiling patronizingly on Faith . `` You are quite old enough to attend to such duties . MY little daughter at home is only ten and she is already an excellent little housekeeper and the greatest help and comfort to her mother . She is a very sweet child . I wish you had the privilege of her acquaintance . She could help you in many ways . Of course , you have not had the inestimable privilege of a good mother 's care and training . A sad lack -- a very sad lack .
I have spoken more than once to your XXXXX in this connection and pointed out his duty to him faithfully , but so far with no effect .
Mr. bones child corner dishes end father mouthful room ways