“No, I haven’t,” said Girlie.
“Ah! I thought not,” said Belinda, sniffing contemptuously. “A pretty figure you’ll cut in Society. Where are your jewels?”
“Oh! I haven’t any!” said Girlie. “I have a little gold chain and a locket, but Mamma will never let me wear them; she says that jewellery is not suitable for children.”
“Stuff and nonsense!” said Belinda impatiently. “What accomplishments have you?” she asked after a pause.
“I can play the piano a very little,” said Girlie, “and I am taking singing lessons.”
“Is that all?” asked Belinda.
“I can recite one or two poems,” said Girlie.
“Recite!” said Lucinda in a commanding tone, and the two old ladies sat down and fanned themselves affectedly.
Girlie thought for a moment or two, and then stood up and repeated the following words, although she did not at all remember ever having heard them before:—
“I met an ancient dame one day,