"No, you said it was 'somewhere'—in a rather vague sort of way, Peter."
"Well, perhaps I did," said I, frowning at my book.
"It is not very valuable, but I prized it for association's sake,
Peter."
"Ah!—yes, to be sure," said I, feigning to be wholly absorbed.
"I was wondering if you ever—wear it, Peter?"
"Wear it!" I exclaimed, and glancing furtively down at myself, I was relieved to see that there were no signs of a betraying blue riband; "wear it!" said I again, "why should I wear it?"
"Why, indeed, Peter, unless it was because it was there to wear." Suddenly she uttered an exclamation of annoyance, and, taking up a candle, began looking about the floor.
"What have you lost?"
"My needle! I think it must have fallen under the table, and needles are precious in this wilderness; won't you please help me to find it?"
"With pleasure!" said I, getting down upon my hands and knees, and together we began to hunt for the lost needle.