It is only proper to say, in defence of the position which the boys assumed in the matter, that they had no idea of its being unmanly to talk with the little match-girl, or to be seen in her company; but it was the fear that their brother merchants might make sport of them, which prevented the same amount of familiarity being displayed as when they were at Coney Island.
It seemed as if Sadie would never tire of hearing Josiah tell about his home in the country; and while they were walking up the Bowery, when he would much have preferred looking in at the shop windows, she was so persistent in her questions, that all his time was occupied in giving the desired information.
She knew, quite as well as did Tom and Bob, where this particular museum which they proposed to visit was located; therefore it was not necessary for the young gentlemen from Baker’s Court to give any instructions as to the course which should be pursued.
“Here’s the place,” she said as they halted in front of a broad door-way half-filled with gaudy posters and photographs; “an’ after you see this one, you won’t think the other show ’mounts to very much. Bill Foss has been here more’n ten times, an’ says it’s perfectly gorgeous.”
Josiah made haste to purchase the tickets of admission, lest he should miss some of the wonderful sights because of lack of time, and then ushered his friends into what seemed like a place of enchantment.
On entering the main hall the first object which attracted his attention was the fat lady; and he went directly up to her, regardless of what his friends were doing.
Bob and Tom had stopped to look at some of the other attractions; but Sadie kept very close to the boy from Berry’s Corner, for, since through him she had enjoyed herself as never before, it was but natural she should consider him a particular friend.
“She’s awful big, ain’t she?” Josiah said in what he intended should be a whisper; but the lady referred to had no difficulty in hearing the words, and smiled in a fat way upon the young visitor, in token of appreciation.
“Yes she is, an’ I do wonder how she can get ’round the streets. Ain’t her dress perfectly splendid? Do you s’pose that lace is real gold?”
“I reckon so; folks as big as she is must make a power of money showin’ theirselves.”