'You see, Meg, how little you know about bringing them up. If you really had "views," such a thing couldn't have happened. You were always such a nice child yourself, so pretty when you were a baby, such a pity that you've altered so.'
Then in a tone of most awful consternation he added, 'Why, Gidger?' for my daughter was in tears.
'Uncle Woss' was beside her in a moment, kneeling humbly to the 'Queen of England,' 'Darling, what is it?' he cried distractedly.
'You said muvver wasn't pwetty now.'
'Oh,' said Ross to me, 'could you go outside, woman, while I comfort this lady?'
So I went outside. After he had consoled the lady she went off with Sam, but she wasn't quite happy, so he kneeled down and took a turn at comforting.
'I assure you, miss, you've not the slightest occasion to worry. Your uncle always does say just the reverse of what he means—gentlemen do——'
'But are you sure he thinks muvver is pwetty now?' said the Poppet.
'Certainly, miss, not a doubt about it.'
'Do you think she's pwetty, Bwown?'