. St. Nicholas [serial]. s attentions. Colonel Taunton shook his head hoped he would agree to the search and per-haps go himself, and, taking a casual glance aboutthe room, retire satisfied; but I saw plainly thathe did not like the business, for he was a gen-tleman. He lifted his head presently and beckonedPeggy. Come hither, little maid, he said. I ve ababe about your age at home. It was evidentthat he was fond of children, for, when Peg wentup to him, he picked her up and set her on hisknee, caressing her in a manner showing that hewas used to little folk. Peggy perched there
. St. Nicholas [serial]. s attentions. Colonel Taunton shook his head hoped he would agree to the search and per-haps go himself, and, taking a casual glance aboutthe room, retire satisfied; but I saw plainly thathe did not like the business, for he was a gen-tleman. He lifted his head presently and beckonedPeggy. Come hither, little maid, he said. I ve ababe about your age at home. It was evidentthat he was fond of children, for, when Peg wentup to him, he picked her up and set her on hisknee, caressing her in a manner showing that hewas used to little folk. Peggy perched there for a moment, regardingthe colonel gravely, then she spoke: I m the youngest, bu-bu-but I m noba-ba-babe. Nay, to be sure! cried the colonel, startingback in pretended surprise. I see that now, andI think you are old enough to tell a true tale. Aye, answered Peg, I 11 tell no o-other. Gentlemen, Colonel Taunton proposed, speak-ing to the table at large, let us make this thetest of the matter. Out of the mouths of babes,. FRIENDS, I GIVE YE GREETING! (see page 996.)992 THE LUCKY SIXPENCE 993 you know. Now tell me, he went on kindly toPeggy, have you seen a wounded Continentalsoldier here? Ye-ye-yes, sir, said Peg, and I feared wewere lost. What did I tell you ! cried Blundell, in tri-umph. And is he very ill? asked the colonel. A hush settled over the room while all waitedfor her answer. Oh! said Peg, wo-wo-worse than s de-de-dead! What! exclaimed the colonel, dead! whereis he? Ri-ri-right he-here, said Peg, and she tookfrom under her apron our poor wounded doll. A shout of laughter went up that shook theroof. Colonel Taunton wiped the tears from hiseyes to discover that little Peggy was in realtears, for she thought they were laughing at her,and did not like it. I think there is no need of a search, MistressTravers, he said, and I will be your guaranteeagainst annoyance in the future. Then hesought a gift for Peg, but could find nothing buta tiny gold snuff-box. T will
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