nine years old, but her coal-black eyes flashed with intelligence. The
hostess introduced herself and began a conversation.

"Does what you see here today please you?" she asked. The child eyed
her host in silence.

"Talk away," said the lady. "Don't be afraid."

"Tell me," then said the child, "how many children have you got?"

Astonished at the question, the lady hesitated for a moment, and then
entered into the fun of the situation.

"Ten," she replied.

"Dear me," answered the child, "that is a very large family, I hope
you are careful and look after them. Do you keep them all clean?"

"Well, I do my best."

"And is your husband at work?"

"My husband does not do any kind of work. He never has."

"That is very dreadful," replied the little girl earnestly, "but I
hope you keep out of debt."

The game had gone too far for Lady Bountiful's enjoyment of it.

"You are a very rude and impertinent child," she burst out, "to speak