"Ah, just in time," said Mrs. Wolston; "here is another animal that
probably has something to say."
"Wrong, mamma," replied Sophia; "my gazelle is as mute as a mermaid.
Very provoking, is it not, when all the other animals in the house
talk?"
"You had better apply to Master Jack; he may, probably, be able to hit
upon a plan to make your gazelle communicative."
"Will you, Master Jack?"
"Certainly, Miss Sophia. The plan I would suggest is very simple. Feed
him for a week or two with nouns, adjectives, and verbs."
Here Sophia, addressing her gazelle, said, "Master Jack Becker is a
goose."
Meantime Fritz was leaning on the back of Mary's chair.
"Miss Wolston," said he, "did you not tell me that you had brought
Toby up, and that you were very fond of him?"
"Yes, Fritz."
"Then it would be unfair in me to withdraw his allegiance from you
now, and, consequently, I must refuse your present"
"But where would have been the merit of the gift if I did not hold
him in some esteem? Besides, I thought you were fond of Toby."
"So I am, Miss Wolston."
"Then you will not be indebted to me for anything--I owe you much."
"No such thing; you owe me nothing."
"My life, then, is nothing?"
"Oh, I did not mean that; I must beg your pardon."
"Which I will only grant on condition you accept my gift.
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