Once upon a time there was a little old gentleman, very old indeed; his hair was as white as snow, his eyes were dim, and he had no more teeth than a baby. As to his ears, they were no use to him at all, for he could not hear a single word that was said. You might have fired off twenty cannons close to him, and he would not start half as much as when some one comes behind you, and says—Boo!!!
What a pity! because he was such a kind, little old gentleman. If he saw a little child like you, he would smile, and put his hand in his pocket, and take out a piece of candy, and say—"Do you love candy?" then the child would say—just what you would say, if anybody should ask you—you know. Then the little old gentleman would say—"I can't hear you, but I know you love it, so here is a famous piece for you."
One day the little old gentleman thought he would take a walk; so he put his hat on his head, his great coat on his back, his spectacles on his nose, took his cane in his right hand, and off he went.
It was a bright, cold day in spring; the little birds were very busy building their nests, but he could not hear them chirping to each other so sweetly. Indeed, he could hardly see them. Poor little old gentleman!
As he was walking quietly along, he felt something very soft take hold of his hand, and grasp it tight. What do you think it was? He looked down, and there walking by his side, and holding his hand, was a tiny little girl.
She was looking up in his face, with her sweet blue eyes; her little bonnet had fallen back, and the fresh wind was blowing her pretty curls all about.
"My name is Susy," said the little girl; "please take me home; mamma will say—'Where is little Susy?'"
"I can't hear a word you say," answered the little old gentleman.