"I always tell papa evwything," she urged.
"But this is not about yourself, dear," said Adelina, trying to put it so the little one would understand.
"But I thaw it," was the answer.
"Saw it?" said Adelina; then added severely, "you saw nothing."
"I did thee he wanted to mawwy oo," sobbed the child, "'tause he looked happy."
Adelina found herself floundering in a sea of difficulties, so for answer, only kissed the child; and, to put an end decisively to further argument, said:
"Pet, dear, let us see if Ralph has goodies in his pocket."
The little one understood. Whatever wrong she had committed was forgiven. She glanced at Ralph, for it never occurred to her that Adelina's suggestion might prove fallacious. Her implicit confidence in another's word gave evidence of the training received; that the child was not accustomed to being deceived in trifles was obvious. When it was found that Ralph could produce the desired sweetmeats, Adelina asked, teasingly:
"Have you never overcome your boyish weakness?"