# A Vanished Dinner explained — Green Meadow Stories

> Chapter companion for Green Meadow Stories by Thornton W. Burgess.

## What happens

Reddy Fox returns to the swamp where he hid a stolen fat hen, anticipating a long-awaited feast. However, upon reaching the hollow stump, he finds the hen has vanished without a trace, leaving only a feather. His initial rage turns to wonder and fear as he cannot explain the disappearance.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Trust

Reddy Fox's dishonest act of stealing the hen is met with an unexpected twist, illustrating that dishonesty does not pay.

## Character check-ins

### Reddy Fox

Returns to the swamp eagerly anticipating a meal from the stolen fat hen, only to find it has mysteriously vanished.

## Key lines

> Dishonesty has never paid, And, what is more, it never can.

Being dishonest never brings lasting reward, and it never will.

_Opening verse that sets the moral tone for the chapter._

> There is nothing like a good appetite to make things taste good.

Having a strong appetite makes food taste even better.

_Reflects Reddy's anticipation for the meal._

> If ever there has been a surprised Fox in all the Great World that one was Reddy.

Reddy was the most surprised fox that ever existed.

_Highlights Reddy's shock at finding the hen missing._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xxxix-a-vanished-dinner
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_meadow_stories_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters