CHAPTER VI.

TABLE TALK.

Interview with a Friend--His Ancestors--Their Hardships--Denied Liberty of Conscience--The Bible under the Stool--Leaving the Church of England--Emigration for Religious Freedom--Conversation on Useful Themes at Table--No Complaints allowed about Food--Guests introduced and sensible Remarks made--Effect on Benjamin--The Washburne Family--Benefit of Good Conversation--His Father's Remarks about Food--Benjamin Temperate in Eating and Drinking--"The Water- American"--No Temperance Societies then--Table Talk now--A Table Scene 55-63