Page:Carroll - Sylvie and Bruno Concluded.djvu/218

180 "Mais oui!" the little man exclaimed.

"Of course we may!" said Bruno, while, each taking a hand of the delighted Count, they led him to the music-stand.

"There is still hope!" said Lady Muriel over her shoulder, as she followed them. I turned to 'Mein Herr,' hoping to resume our interrupted conversation. "You were remarking" I began: but at this moment Sylvie came to call Bruno, who had returned to my side, looking unusually serious. "Do come, Bruno!" she entreated. "You know we've nearly found it!" Then, in a whisper, "The locket's in my hand, now. I couldn't get it out while they were looking!"

But Bruno drew back. "The man called me names," he said with dignity.

"What names?" I enquired with some curiosity.

"I asked him," said Bruno, "which sort of song he liked. And he said 'A song of a man, not of a lady.' And I said 'Shall Sylvie and me find you the song of Mister Tottles?' And he said 'Wait, eel!' And I'm not an eel, oo know!"