If you were a little bit of a creature, you would always
be standing on your dignity to make yourself look tall. The last time Wyn
and I were at Detroit we went to church, and I heard the very smallest man
I ever saw preach a tremendous sermon about the man being the head of the
woman, insisting mightily on the respect we all owe to the other sex. When
we came out I asked Wyn what he thought, and he said he thought it was
exactly such a sermon as such a very tiny man might be expected to
preach."
"Ah! and he heard you both, my dear," said I; "and he says Mr. Moore has
no element of reverence in his character!"
Here the Panther dropped his pipe, and starting from his chair looked like
his namesake just ready for a spring, as the sharp, quick bark of a little
dog was heard from the nearest house.
"Only dog," he said in a tone of relief, and resumed his smoking.
"Uncle," said Minny, "I do wish you would tell me what the matter is, or
what you are listening for. You make me think there is something wrong."
I looked up and seconded Minny's request.
"'Spose I tell you, you think it all Ingin nonsense," he said, looking a
little embarrassed.
"Even if I did, sir, I should feel more comfortable," I said.
"Yes, do tell us, please," said Minny, earnestly.
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