A PERFECT LADY

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2670, 17 January 1916, Page 2

A PERFECT LADY

A philanthropic woman was entertaming (says a London paper) in the spacious grounds of her suburban residence a large number of East End children. On her rounds of hospitality she was impressed with one strikingly beautiful little-girl. She could i>ot have been more than nine years old, but her eyes flashed with intelligence. The hostess introduced herself and began a conversation. "Does what you 6ee here to-day please you?" she asked. The child oyed her hostess in silence. "Talk away," said the lady. "Don't be afraid." "Tel! me," then said tho child, "how many children have you got?" Astonished at the question, the lady hesitated for a moment, and then entered into the i'uii of the situation. "Ten," she replied. "Dear me," answered the child, "that ii a very large family. I hope you are careful and look after them. Do you keep them all clean?" "Well, I. do my best." "And is your husband at work?" "My husband does not do any kind of work. He never has." "That is very dreadful," replied the little girl earnestly, 'but 1 hope you keep out of debt." The game had gone too far for Lady Bountiful's enjoyment of it. "You are a very nrie and impertinent child," she burst out, "to speak like that, and to me." Tho child became apologetic. "I'm suro I didn't mean to be, ma'am," she explained. "But. mother told me before 1 came that 1 was to be sure to speak to you like a lady, and when any Indies call on u.v they always ask ua those-auestians." ' .