They asked it various questions--were delighted with
its replies--called its attention to the chickens--and evidently
labored under the impression that it understood. They addressed the
baby uniformly in the neuter gender, and requested to know whether it
was not their darling. To all which the baby replied with thoughtful
stares, only occasionally condescending to laugh. The feet having been
examined again--there is much in babies' feet--the party smiled and
went away, calling after baby to the last.
"Now, that's all affectation," said Ralph; "you young ladies--"
"You're a barbarian, sir!" replied Fanny, with great candor.
"I know I am."
"I'm glad you do."
"But," continued Ralph, "tell me now, really, do you young girls
admire babies?"
"Certainly _I_ do--"
"And I," said Redbud.
"They're the sweetest, dearest things in all the world," continued
Fanny, "and the man who don't like babies--"
"Is a monster, eh?"
"Far worse, sir!"
And Fanny laughed.
"That is pleasant to know," said Ralph; "then I'm a monster.
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