'Truth is a fresh water fish at
the bottom of a well; besides, I thought coral worms were always
close to the surface.'
'But below it--not in everybody's view,' said Sophy--an answer which
seemed much to the satisfaction of the audience, but the showman
insisted on knowing why, and whether it did not conceal itself. 'It
makes stony caves for itself, out of sight,' said Sophy, almost
doubting whether she spoke correctly. 'Well, surely it does so.'
'Most surely,' said an acclamation so general that she did not like
it. If she had been younger, she would have turned sulky upon the
spot, and Mr. Ferrars almost doubted whether to bring ont his final
query. 'Pray, ma'am, do you think this creature out of reach in its
self-made cave, at the bottom--no, below the surface of the sea,
would be popular enough to repay the cost of procuring it.'
'Ah! that's too bad,' burst out the Hibernian tones. 'Why, is not
the best of everything hidden away from the common eye? Out of
sight--stony cave--It is the secret worker that lays the true solid
foundation, raises the new realms, and forms the precious jewels.'
The torrent of r's was irresistible!
'Police! order!' cried the showman. 'An Irish mob has got in, and
there's an end of everything.' So up went the curtain, and the polyp
appeared, becoming rapidly red coral as she perceived what the
exhibition was, and why the politeness of the Green Isle revolted
from her proclaiming her own unpopularity.
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