"Well, look here," and Mr. Forbes' eyes twinkled "I ask you two, Dotty and Dolly, which of my two nieces is a greater favourite?"
"Why, how can we tell that, right before them both?" cried Dolly, taking it as a joke.
"Yes, I want you to tell me,—right before them."
"I don't think there's a bit of difference," Dotty said, speaking seriously, and looking at the two girls. "You see, everybody likes Bernie—and—they all like Alicia."
"You're a diplomat!" laughed the old man, "Now, Dolly, see if you can beat that?"
Dolly liked being put on her mettle, and after a moment's thought, when she pretended to study the girls, she said, "They are both liked tremendously for themselves,—but more, because they are your nieces."
"Capital!" and Mr. Forbes rubbed his hands in glee. "You're a tactful young person, I do avow. Now, just for that you may ask anything of me you like, to the half of my kingdom."
"I'll ask," said Dolly, quickly, "before you have a chance to repent of that offer. This is what I want: Let us go up and see your collections. May we?"
"I s'pose so. Will you be good little girls, and not finger the exhibits, except such as I say you may?"
"Of course we will. We're not mischievous little kiddies! Oh, are you really going to let us see it! When?"