“She is not the one,” replied Pert, “for so handsome a sparrow as you, and for such a fine house.” Here Miss Pert turned all the way round to show her fine feathers. “And I have come as a friend,” she continued, “to ask if I can help you in finding a prettier mate.”
“I don’t want one,” said Jack.
“What?” exclaimed Pert. “And Jenny with only one eye and all her tail-feathers pulled out?”
“Ah, but,” said Jack, “her other eye is the brightest and softest that ever was seen. And, as for her tail-feathers, they are all growing again.”
“Pooh!” said Pert, “she is too old for you, beside being ugly.”
“Oh no,” said Jack; “she is just the right age. And if she has lost her good looks, she has lost them for me. When you were against me, then she was my friend; and now, when you are willing to be my friend because I have grown rich, I will not turn her off to please you. Go home again, Miss Pert, for nobody but Jenny shall share my fine house.”