Regardless of Bella’s dissuasions he ran out, and quickly returned with the new supply. “My dear child,” he said, as he spread it on another piece of paper before her, “the idea of a splendid⁠—!” and then looked at her figure, and stopped short.

“What’s the matter, Pa?”

“⁠—of a splendid female,” he resumed more slowly, “putting up with such accommodation as the present!⁠—Is that a new dress you have on, my dear?”

“No, Pa, an old one. Don’t you remember it?”

“Why, I thought I remembered it, my dear!”

“You should, for you bought it, Pa.”

“Yes, I thought I bought it, my dear!” said the cherub, giving himself a little shake, as if to rouse his faculties.