human
Cousin Elizabeth, said little Willie, taking her hand and leading her away to the sofa,
gpt
What do ladies love? Why, Willie, what a queer question.
human
Yes, but tell me what do ladies love?
gpt
Why, their papas, of course, and their brothers, and their relations; it would not be decorous to love any one else,
human
Oh, you don't know what I mean; I mean what do ladies love to have? You know boys like to have kites and marbles, and traps to catch snowbirds, and picture books, and half-pence and such things. Now what do ladies love to have?
gpt
Oh, now I understand you. Why, we like to have a good assortment of crewels and floss to work tapestry with, and a quantity of bright-colored silk to embroider with, and----
human
Oh, that's what you like, Cousin Elizabeth; but mamma doesn't work samplers, said the boy, with a dash of pettish contempt in his tone.
gpt
Uncle has given me a bright new shilling for a Christmas gift, to do what I please with, and I want to get something with it for poor, dear mamma.
human
La! child, you can get nothing of any account with a shilling.
gpt
Can't I? said he, and his little face fell for an instant, but soon lighting up, he exclaimed:
human
Oh, ho! Cousin Elizabeth, I am brighter than you are, this time. A silver thimble is a very little thing, and can be bought with a shilling, I am sure; so I will buy one for mamma. Poor mamma has an old brass one now, which cankers her finger.
gpt
Here, Willie, said Elizabeth,
human
I have not paid you my Christmas gift, and you caught me, you know; take this shilling, and now run and ask your uncle to take you to the village with him when he goes, and then you can buy your thimble. You have enough to get one now.