1) Soak the beans overnight in water to more than cover them. 2) Pour off the water, and cover the beans with salted fresh water, or ham broth and boil them unitl the are tender. There should be some water left in the beans. 3) Add the milk and simmer until it is hot. 4) Meanwhile, brown the butter carefully, add the bread cubes and stir them around until they are evenly coated and lightly browned. 5) Put the bread in the soup, pour the soup into bowl and serve hot.