It was the veriest chit-chat, and Leo's remarks on the little bunch of charms and knicknacks that he found in the workbox seemed trivial to foolishness.

"I'd no idea Damer was so empty-headed," I thought, and I rather despised Miss Chislett for smiling at his feeble conversation.
"I often wonder what's the use of farthings," I heard him say as he turned one over in the bunch of knicknacks.

"They won't buy anything (unless it's a box of matches).

They only help tradesmen to cheat when they're 'selling off.'" "I beg your pardon," said Miss Chislett, "I have bought most charming things for a farthing each." "So have I," said I, turning round on my chair, and joining in the conversation, which seemed less purposeless after I began to take part in it.

Leo looked at us both with a puzzled air.
"Frying-pans, for instance," said Miss Chislett.
"-- and gridirons," said I.
"Plates, knives, and forks," said the heiress.
"-- and flat irons," I concluded; playing involuntarily with the blob of lead which still hung at my watch-chain.
Polly had finished her performance, and was now standing near us.