Answer:
In the beginning, Peter and Mary Dawson, together with their son, age six, and Peter's aged father, live on a few acres of poor land and are only able to keep the wolf from the door by bard work.
Then, Peter's father is a querulous old man, almost helpless and a great care to them. His infirmity causes him to break several china bowls in which his food is served.
During that time, Mary and Peter are so provoked, that Peter fashioned a rough, homemade wooden bowl from which the old man is obliged to eat.
Not long after the boy overhears their talk regarding the wooden bowl and a few days later he is missing.
After that, they search for the whole house, Mary and Peter find him in the attic. He has just finished making two rough wooden bowls.
Finally, for the first time, Mary and Peter realize the example they have set their son. They hasten to treat the old man with greater consideration, giving him a new china bowl and his almost childish delight is only equaled by the boy's happiness.