Abashed, the lad colored.
"Oh, I know the best watches have their works dolled up with precious stones."
"Scarcely dolled up, son," Mr. Burton answered.
"I thought that was what they were put in for."
"Just for ornament?"
"Sure! To make the watches handsomer than those carried by common folks—dressier and more expensive."
"You actually entertained that notion?" came quizzically from the head of the firm.
"Yes, Dad."
Mr. Burton gazed at his offspring dumbfounded and reproachful, his eyes saying as plainly as any words could, "That I should live to hear a son of mine give voice to such gross ignorance!" Then when he had conquered his amazement sufficiently to speak he gasped:
"I'm afraid there are still facts that McPhearson will have to teach you before you can follow his trade."