“Pet-Pet-ronilla,” sobbed the elf.
“Now, you must not cry, dear; we will take the best of care of you here. Of course, you will miss your papa for a few days; but after that we will get along very nicely. Were you ever at school before?”
“Ye-es, ma-am.”
“What did you learn, love?”
“I don’t know.”
“Petronilla?” sternly began the judge.
“Now, pray, my dear sir,” remonstrated the silken tones of the lady, “leave it to me. Just see how you are frightening the poor little thing. You can read, my dear, of course!”
“What books have you read, love? have you read many?”
“Yes, ma’am.”