The two boys set to work and raised a fearful dust. Nell observed ruefully that the parts they were sweeping had been gone over once already.
Ted looked up earnestly, his brush pausing:—
"You must let us do it—O'Brien and me—every week, Miss O'Brien; our arms are stronger."
"I," said the Atom, weightily, "think you are a very nice boy."
"And I think you are a very nice lit—young lady."
"I'll show you my snowy-breasted Pearl afterwards."
"Eh? Oh, thanks."
"He's very sensertive; you mustn't mind if he bites you a little."
"Oh, I'll like it. So your white-breasted Pearl's a boy, is he?"
"I'll essplain to you about his name another time," she said with great dignity. She came closer, and whispered: "Denis calls him somethin' else. I'm 'fraid he might do it now. Promise you'll never, never ask him what he calls my Pearl!"