Miette had mechanically placed the sinker above the glass of water. She let it fall into it; the cork still swam above.
"Why does the lead fall to the bottom of the water, and why does the cork not fall?"
"Why," said Albert, "because lead is heavier than cork."
Miette looked at her brother, and then turned her eyes towards Monsieur Roger, as if the explanation given by Albert explained nothing, and finally she said,—
"Of course lead is heavier than cork; but why is it heavier?"
"My child, you want to know a great deal," said Madame Dalize.
"Ah, mamma, it is not my fault,—it is Paul's, who wants to know, and does not like to ask. I am obliged to ask questions in his stead."
That was true. Paul asked no questions, but he listened with attention, and his eyes seemed to approve the questions asked by his friend Miette. Monsieur Roger had observed with pleasure the conduct of his young friend, and it was for him, while he was looking at Miette, the latter continued:
"Tell us, Monsieur Roger, why is lead heavier than cork?"
"Because its density is greater," answered Monsieur Roger, seriously.