"But why _must_ you say anything, Bubble,--anything of that sort, I mean ?" "Oh!" said the boy, "I d' 'no 's I kin say ezackly _why_, Miss Hildy; but--but--wal, I swan! I mean, I--I don't mean I swan--but--there now! You see how 'tis, Miss Hildy.

Things don't seem to hev no taste to 'em, without you say _somethin'_." "Let me think," said Hilda.

"Perhaps I can think of something that will sound better." "I might say, 'Gee Whittekers!'" suggested Bubble, brightening up a little.

"I know some fellers as says that." "I don't think that would do," replied Hilda, decidedly.

"What does it mean ?" "Don't mean nothing as I knows on," said the boy; "but it sounds kind o' hahnsome, don't it ?" Hilda shook her head with a smile.