"One is not easily missed, you know." There was a twinkle in Bernardine's eye as she added, "He is probably occupied with other things!" "What is your father ?" asked Mrs.Reffold, in her most coaxing tones.
"I don't know what he is now," answered Bernardine placidly.

"But he was a genius.

He is dead." Mrs.Reffold gave a slight start, for she began to feel that this insignificant little person was making fun of her.

This would never do, and before witnesses too.

So she gathered together her best resources and said: "Dear me, how very unfortunate: a genius too.