"If I thought there _was_ anyone that cared what become of me; if I thought there was anyone that was willing to let bygones be bygones, seeing that I've cared for that person all my life, since--since first we knew there was a Tumplety Hole in that room; if I thought there was anyone who knew she could fetch out all the good there was in me,--in old "Gruff and Grum,"--and that knew best of anyone how much good there was to be fetched--why--if there _was_ any such person, I'd sit down to that table the proudest man in the wide world, and the happiest! But--but--I don't suppose there is, do you, Bethesda?" "Oh, my gracious land of deliverance!" cried Miss Bethesda, fairly beside herself. "I--I--don't know as there is, Buckstone, and--and yet--I don't know _but_ there is! But do, for gracious sake, sit down, whatever way it is, and eat your supper like a Christian man!" And Buckstone sat down.