I heard the whole of it." "Pert ?" said Bobby to himself.

"What the deuce does she mean by that ?" "Very well, you little minx; I will pay the penalty." "Come here, Master Pert," said the lady to Bobby.
Bobby bowed, approached the lady, and began to feel very much embarrassed.
"My uncle," she continued, "is one of the best-hearted men in the world--ain't you, uncle ?" "Go on, you jade!" "I love him, as I would my own father; but he will sometimes get into a passion.

Now, you provoked him." "Indeed, ma'am, I hadn't the least idea of saying anything uncivil," pleaded Bobby.

"I studied to be as polite as possible." "I dare say.

You were too important, too pompous, for a boy to an old gentleman like uncle, who is really one of the best men in the world.