"So it appears," she replied, rapping on the desk for order.
"You have a fine lot of pupils, Bessie. I 'd like to be father of them all."
"Mr. Moore!" exclaimed the girl, horrified at such a wish.
"I mean I 'd like to have a family as smart as they look," explained Moore, helping himself to a chair.
"That would not require much effort," replied the girl, coldly.
"But it would take time," suggested the graceless young joker. Then he continued, as Bessie gave him a freezing glance, "I mean, never having been married, I don't know, so I will have to take your word for it."
"You deserve to be punished for your impudence, Tom Moore."
"Since I 'm a bachelor, that is easy brought about, Bessie."
"Who would marry such a rogue as you?"
"I 'm not going to betray the ladies' confidence in my honor by giving you a list of their names," replied Moore, virtuously. Then he added softly: