In the funniest, pokiest, queerest little house that you can possibly imagine; I discovered three charming, well-bred girls.

The two youngest made friends with me in their shabby little garden.

They greeted me, I assure you, with the most delightful frankness and ease.

I told them who I was, and they were not the least impressed; on the contrary, the one they called Jasmine--oh! she is a pretty creature--fancied I was dying for some carnations like hers, and the little one holds out hopes that some day I may possess a kitten similar to the one she thrust into my arms.
They were as shabbily dressed as possible, but who could look at them, dear pets, and think twice about their dresses?
We got on most pleasantly, and found we had many interests in common, for the little one shared my love for animals, and the elder my passion for flowers.
On this scene the eldest sister made her appearance.

I assure you, Joseph, it is almost too absurd, but it is a fact; she actually contrived to snub me.