"
For he was wanting to sit down beside Istra Nash, just be near her;
he _had_ to be! So he ventured over and was instantly regarding
all the rest as outsiders whom his wise comrade and himself
were studying.
"Tell me, Mouse dear, why do you like the people here? The
peepul, I mean. They don't seem so very remarkable. Enlighten
poor Istra."
"Well, they're awful kind. I've always lived in a house where
the folks didn't hardly know each other at all, except Mrs.
Zapp--she was the landlady--and I didn't like her very much.
But here Tom Poppins and Mrs. Arty and--the rest--they really
like folks, and they make it just like a home.... Miss Croubel
is a very nice girl. She works for Wanamacy's--she has quite a
big job there. She is assistant buyer in the--"
He stopped in horror. He had nearly said "in the lingery
department." He changed it to "in the clothing department," and
went on, doubtfully: "Mr. Duncan is a traveling-man. He's
away on a trip."
"Which one do you play with? So Nelly likes to--well, make
b'lieve--'magine?"
"How did you--"
"Oh, I watched her looking at you.
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