human
Did you see the queer thing that hung on 'Monsieur's' wall, right opposite to the bed?
gpt
Why, no, answered Sue.
human
That is, I suppose I did, but I was so nervous and worried that I can't remember anything about it. I hardly took my eyes from Louis. What was it, anyway?
gpt
Three pictures, but the only one that I could see was the middle one. It was a life-sized picture of a little boy about six or seven, I should think. He had big brown eyes and brown wavy hair, and was quite a pretty little chap, but he was dressed awfully queerly. I guess the picture must be quite old, for his clothes weren't like anything that's been worn for years. I wonder why 'Monsieur' carts it around and has it hanging there. Must be some relation, I suppose, or some child of whom he was very fond.
human
But I thought you said his clothes were so queer and old-timey, suggested Sue.
gpt
I imagined from the way you spoke that they must be of a fashion more than a hundred years old.
human
I guess they were, too, admitted the Imp.
gpt
I had thought that perhaps the boy was a son or a brother, but I guess he was from way before _that_ time.
human
Must be some famous ancestor, then, said Sue.
gpt
By the way, what did you mean by saying that the boy's picture was the only one you could see? If the three pictures were all hanging on the wall at the foot of the bed, you could see the other two just as well, I should think.
human
No, I couldn't; and for a very queer reason,
gpt
Oh, for gracious sake, don't begin to tease! cried Sue impatiently, suspecting that the Imp was up to one of her usual tricks.
human
Things have been so exciting, and you've been such a dear, that I hate to have you spoil it by beginning that 'mysterious' business.
gpt
But it _was_ mysterious, argued the Imp,
human
Well, what was it? sighed Sue.
gpt
I'm afraid you're making a whole lot out of nothing.
human
I'm _not_! cried the Imp.
gpt
And I'll prove it this minute. I _couldn't_ see those two other pictures because--they both had a heavy, dark silk covering of some kind stretched completely over them, frames and all! _Now_ will you believe me?