Page:The mislaid uncle (IA mislaiduncle00raym).pdf/118

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He had based his opinion upon the behavior of some other little folks whom it had been his misfortune to meet upon cars or steamboats, who seemed to be always munching, and utterly careless where their crumbs or nutshells fell. This pair was different.

Indeed, had the host known it, Michael had been reared as daintily as Josephine had been. "Company manners" were every-day manners with him, and it was one of Mr. Smith's beliefs that "breeding shows more plainly at table than anywhere else." He watched the boy with keenness, and it was due to his present conduct, of which the lad himself was unconscious, that final consent was given to Josephine's outing.

Selecting an orange the boy asked:

"Shall I fix it for you?"

"If you please," answered the little girl.

Michael cut the fruit in halves, placed it on a plate, laid a spoon beside it, and offered it to Josephine, who received it with a quiet "Thank you," and began at once to take the juice in her spoon. When each had finished