"Oh, anything you please. All I want is the fun of hearing you talk," said Ned.
"It wouldn't be polite for us to do all the talking," he seemed to respond; and Ned returned, "You needn't mind about the politeness of it. We folks all want to hear you talk, whatever you may say."
"But I don't want to talk unless I have something to say," was Tiny's answer.
"That's right, Tiny; you seem to be a sensible fellow," laughed Lucilla.
"Papa, are monkeys mischievous?" asked Elsie.
"They have that reputation, and certainly some have shown themselves so; therefore, you would better not put temptation in the way of Tiny or Tee-tee."
"And better not trust them too far," said Violet. "I'd be sorry to have any of your clothes torn up while we are so far from home."
"Oh mamma, do you think they would do that?" cried Elsie.
"I don't know; but I have heard of monkeys meddling with their mistress's clothes, and perhaps Tiny doesn't know how much too large even yours would be for her—no for him."
"Well, mamma, I'll try to keep things out of his way, and I hope he'll realize that a girl's garments are not suitable for a boy monkey," laughed Elsie. "Do you hear that? and will you remember?" she asked, giving him a little shake and tap which he seemed to take very unconcernedly.