"How many biscuits have you taken?"
"Seven, and two buns. My sister's awfully proud of them. But about this tie."
"You shouldn't wear made-up ties," she said severely.
I sat up and looked at her. Mischievously she regarded the ceiling. Presently:
"Note the awful silence," I said.
"And dickeys are going out too."
"Look here," said I, "I shall undress in a minute. Just to show you. These are matters touching the reputation."
With that I gravely untied my tie.
To my indignation she clapped her small hands with delight, and gave way to quiet laughter. I nodded solemnly.
"Very good," I said. "Now I shall simply have to have an eye. No mere nail will suffice."