"Alice," said dear Mrs. Read, trying to turn the conversation, "I see thee wears a very pretty ring."
Dotty took it off her finger, and passed it around for inspection.
"I never had a ring before," said she, with animation. "I never had anything to wear—'cept clothes"
Percy laughed.
"I found the pearl in an oyster stew, grandma. It is such a very funny place Out West"
"Yes, it is really a pearl," said Percy, "only spoiled by boiling. Look her, Toddlekins; oysters don't grow Out West; they grow here on the coast. You'd better study astronomy."
Dotty took refuge in silence again, like an oyster withdrawing into his shell.
"O, Dotty," said Susy, presently, "tell me what you saw Out West. I want to hear all about it."
"Well, I saw a pandrammer," replied Dotty, briefly.
"What in the world is that?" said Johnny.