"And did he go home," said Alice, "and buy things?"
"Yes, he went. One day he went home and at night saw his house and little children, and—but he will not stay, because there is no love waiting in his house, and all the money in the world is no good unless there is some love too. You see, dear, a house is just a house of brick and mortar, but when it is full of love, then it is a home."
"I like that man," said Hugh. "Tell me more."
"But first," said Alice, "oh! we do want to see all our presents."
"Ah, well. That is all, I think; and the presents. Now for the presents." Then he opened a bag and took out first a string of great pearls, and said, as he hung them around Alice's neck, "There, these the oysters made for you years ago under the deep blue sea. They are for a wedding gift from Chris. They are too fine for a little maid. No Queen has prettier pearls. But when you are married and some one you love vexes you or is unkind, look at these pearls, and forgive, oh! a hundred times over; twice, thrice, for every pearl, because Kris said it. You won't understand now, but some day you will."
"Yes, sir," said Alice, puzzled, and playing with the pearls.
Said Hugh, "You said, Mr. Khwis, that the oysters make pearls. Why do the oysters make pearls?"
"I will tell you," replied Kris. "If a bit of something rough or sharp gets inside the oyster's house, and it can't be got rid of, the oyster begins to make a pearl of it, and covers it over and over until the rough, rude thing is one of these beautiful pearls."
"I see," said Hugh.
"That is a little fairy tale I made for myself; I often make stories for myself."