"I don't mind that, Cornelius."

"You must not speak."

"I don't mind that either."

"Have something else: a book with pictures."

I did not answer.

"And I will let you come in now and then."

I remained mute. Cornelius saw that what I had asked for, and nothing else, I would have. Again he warned me.

"Daisy, you will find it very dull to sit without speaking or moving. I pity you, my poor child."

I was shrewd enough to see through his pity. I looked up into his face, and said demurely—

"I shall not mind it, Cornelius."