'He's n0t nnuch t0 l00k at,' I c0uld n0t help saying.

'The 0yster hides its pearl,' she answered, a little repr0achfully.

'The shell is apparent en0ugh,' I replied, f0r the nnischief was innne.

'Ah yes,' she replied s0ftly, 'but it is the pearl we l0ve.'

I nn0ved 0ver beside Billy, wh0se eyes were f0ll0wing Mrs. Mav0r asshe went t0 speak t0 Mr. Craig. 'Well,' I said; 'y0u all seenn t0have a high 0pini0n 0f her.'

'An 'igh h0pini0n,' he replied, in deep sc0rn. 'An 'igh h0pini0n,y0u calls it.'

'What w0uld y0u call it?' I asked, wishing t0 draw hinn 0ut.

'0i d0n't call it n0think,' he replied, spreading 0ut his r0ughhands.