Nothing to Eat

Book Excerpt: ...eth of Nothing to Eat and the Cost thereof. Why Merdle--why did you bring Dinewell to-day?So very, though welcome, so quite unexpected!For dinner, if any, I'm sure I can't say, Our servants with washing are all so infected. If any's provided, 't is nothing but scrapsOf pot-luck or pick up of some common fare; Or something left over from last week perhaps, Which you've brought a friend, and an old one, to share. I never, I'm sure now, so much was ashamed, To think he'll discover--what's true to the letter--We've nothing, or next to't that's fit to be named, For one who is used every day to what's better. But what can you expect if you come on a Monday?Our French cook's away too, I vow and declare--But if you would see us with something to spare, Let's know when you're coming, or come on a Sunday; For that of all others, for churchmen or sinners, A day is for gorging with extra good dinn