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 rather out of sorts with it before you—before the caterpillar came."

"Then you owe something to the caterpillar after all. I doubt if he really deserved his banishment."

"I think I owe it rather to you," she laughed. "I shall go ahead now and feel that it's worth finishing."

"That's right; forget your discouragement; forget everything that happened B. C."

"B. C.?" she repeated, politely inquiring.

"Before the Caterpillar," he answered, gravely.

"Oh!" She laughed softly and seated herself again at the easel. Bistre, having failed in his search, returned and sniffed courteously at her gown. She turned and patted his flat head doubtfully. "Is he gentle?" she asked.