"Then suppose we don't mention his dress. Tell me something else about him."
"He has a very dirty face," said Elinor, with a little chuckle.
"He has? That is unfortunate. Why doesn't he wash it?"
"I reckon 'cause he hasn't any soap or towels."
"But he can get water easily."
"Yes; but, doctor, don't you know how horrid it is to have your face washed, and to stand with it all dripping, 'specially in cold weather? and if you had no towel, you know, you wouldn't want to wash your face, either."
"Perhaps not. Well, Bill is a boy with a dirty face. Is that all? Has he nothing else to boast of?"
"Yes; he has a sister named Gerty. I s'pose she has a dirty face, too. I never saw her, 'cause she's got the rickets, and her grandfather has had yaller janders; but they is about gone. I think they must be rather pretty, don't you?"
"What?"