‘The oyster hides its pearl,’ she answered, a little reproachfully.
‘The shell is apparent enough,’ I replied, for the mischief was in me.
‘Ah yes,’ she replied softly, ‘but it is the pearl we love.’
I moved over beside Billy, whose eyes were following Mrs. Mavor as she went to speak to Mr. Craig. ‘Well,’ I said; ‘you all seem to have a high opinion of her.’
‘An ‘igh hopinion,’ he replied, in deep scorn. ‘An ‘igh hopinion, you calls it.’
‘What would you call it?’ I asked, wishing to draw him out.
‘Oi don’t call it nothink,’ he replied, spreading out his rough hands.
‘She seems very nice,’ I said indifferently.
He drew his eyes away from Mrs. Mavor, and gave attention to me for the first time.
‘Nice!’ he repeated with fine contempt; and then he added impressively, ‘Them as don’t know shouldn’t say nothink.’