'What a pretty pair of earrings!' exclaimed Mrs. Naldret, admiring the turquoise trifles in Bessie's pink ears, and, 'Well, George is a sly one!' said Jim Naldret, pinching the pretty ears.
'George didn't give them to her,' said Ben Sparrow, rubbing his hands; 'no, nor me either. I'm not rich enough; though if I could afford it, Bessie should have had such a pair long ago, and a gold chain and a watch as well.'
'She's pretty enough to have them,' said Jim Naldret.
'And good enough,' added Ben. 'Well, I am glad to see you! But I wish it was to welcome George back instead of wishing him good-bye. Eh, Bess?'
'Yes, grandfather,' replied Bessie, with a heavy sigh.
Mrs. Naldret said nothing; she was thinking who had given Bessie the turquoise ear-rings; she knew they could not have cost less than four pounds at least.
'There's George,' said Jim Naldret, as the shop-door opened.
Bessie turned eagerly to the door, but Ben Sparrow stepped before her and said in a hurried agitated tone,
'I should like to have a few quiet words with George, my dear; I sha'n't have another opportunity. Mrs. Naldret won't mind.'
That worthy woman nodded, and Ben Sparrow, going into the shop, stopped George's entrance into the parlour.