He answered cheerily.
"If you will kindly allow me my choice, I prefer just such a wretched little creature to any one else in the world."
"And why, pray? Give a good reason, and I will forgive your bad taste."
"Because she won't be able to hurt me much when she beats me."
"A better reason, or she will."
"Because I can punish her if she isn't good by taking her up in my arms, and carrying her about until she gives in."
"A better reason, or I shall be naughty directly."
"Because I shall always know where to find her."
"Ah, yes! she must leave you to find her. But that's a silly reason. If you don't give me a better, I'll get up and walk into the house."
"Because there won't be any waste of me. Will that do?"