"I wish I knew why God made such ugly creatures," said Saffy to Mark.
The boy gave a curious half-sad smile, without turning his eyes from the thornback, and said nothing.
"Do you know why God made any creatures, pet?" said Hester.
"No, I don't. Why did he, Hessy?"
"I am almost afraid to guess. But if you don't know why he made any, why should you wonder that he made those?"
"Because they are so ugly.—Do tell me why he made them?" she added coaxingly.
"You had better ask mamma."
"But, Hessy, I don't like to ask mamma."
"Why don't you like to ask mamma, you little goose?"
"Because," said Saffy, who was all the time holding her mother's hand, and knew she was hearing her, "mamma mightn't know what to say."