midday
`` She banged away with the strap of the breechin ' till she was winded , and then I said I hoped she 'd never have to beat me again for acting the goat in other people 's gardens that did n't concern me , an ' she did n't beat me no more then , but I had plenty as it was , '' he said , rubbing his seat and the calves of his legs . `` Well done , stick to that , and be thankful for such a grandma ! '' `` She ai n't a bad old sort when you come to consider , '' he said with that patronage , also an attribute of extreme youth or unsubdued snobbishness , and when compared , snobbishness and youth have some similar characteristics . Next item on the programme was Mr Pornsch , whom grandma invited to remain to midday dinner , and the old lady being sufficiently human to denounce a swell far more fiercely behind his back than to his face , in consideration of this one 's presence , once more entrusted us to sugar our own puddings , regardless of consequences . After luncheon she interviewed him about his niece 's health . Mr Pornsch seemed really concerned , and said perhaps she needed to be diverted , and that he would see about a further change , which might prove beneficial . He then put up his eyeglass to inspect Dawn 's beauty , and ogling her , attempted to engage her in conversation ; but the girl did n't seem at all attracted by him or thankful for the favours he brought her in the form of an exquisite box of bonbons and the latest song .