He kept silent for a long while.

At last he inquired of the woman,-- "Do you know the child ?" "I have seen her, but have never spoken to her." "Do you know her ?" He turned to Hayoue.
"Why not ?" replied Hayoue, with a smile.

"I know everybody who wears a petticoat." "Have you been to see her ?" "No." "Never ?" Topanashka looked at him suspiciously.
"No!" "How can you know her, then ?" "As I know all the others,--by meeting them out of doors, talking, and playing with them.

I know them all,--all!" And the beau of the Rito yawned complacently, and stretched himself.
"Is she a good girl ?" continued Topanashka.
"She is," the youth replied emphatically.
"Does she talk much ?" "No." "Is she easily angered ?" "That I don't know.

I have never teased her." "Is she a good worker ?" "So they say." "Good-looking ?" "Raua, raua!" Hayoue exclaimed.
"Tall ?" "Yes." "Strong ?" "I believe so." Topanashka became silent again, and both Say and Hayoue observed the proper decorum by fastening their glances on the floor in silence.