28. BEYOND EXPRESSION
[When called on for a speech one may answer the chairman in the words of this lady:]
She was in her room when some people came to call. Her husband received the company, and after awhile said to his daughter, who was playing about the room:
"Go up-stairs and tell your mamma that Mr. and Mrs. Blank have come to call."
The child went, and after a while returned and began to play again.
"Did you tell your mamma that Mr. and Mrs. Blank are here?" asked the father.
"Oh! yes."
"And what did she say?"
The little girl looked up, and after a moment's hesitation, exclaimed:
"She said—well, she said, 'O dear!'"