Father. "Its uses are so various that I know not which to specify. It has been found very serviceable in deciphering old manuscripts, and, indeed, has its use in modern prints. It will assist us greatly in acquiring all kinds of knowledge; and without it some of the most wonderful things in the world would never have been known. It must be confessed, however, that very much depends on a proper application of it, since it is possessed by many persons who appear not to know what it is worth, but who employ it only for the most low and common purposes without even thinking, apparently, of the noble uses for which it is designed, or of the great joy it is capable of affording. It is, indeed, in order to have you fully appreciate its value that I am giving you this description."
George. "Well, then, tell us something more about it."
Father. "It is very penetrating, and can often discover secrets which could be detected by no other means. It must be said, however, that it is equally prone to reveal them."
Charles. "What! can it speak, then?"
Father. "It is sometimes said to do so, especially when it happens to meet with one of its own kind."
George. "What color are these strange things?"
Father. "They vary considerably in this respect."
George. "What color is yours?"
Father. "I believe of a darkish color, but, to confess the truth, I never saw it in my life."