Page:The book of Betty Barber (IA bookofbettybarbe00andr).pdf/19



“A curious signature,” murmured Major C, who had been staring at the newcomer’s strange dress, which was covered with figures. His jacket was white, his knickerbockers black, a broad black sash was tied round his waist. Both jacket and knickerbockers seemed to be made of small pieces, and on each piece was worked a number. The jacket was covered with black figures, andthe knickerbockers showed white figures all over them.

“Excuse me, sir,” said the Major, “but might I ask, I don’t quite understandThirteen-fourteenths. Fourteen what? Would you explain?”

“Give me the book, and I’ll introduce you to the Major,” said Lucy.

“Shan’t give you the book,” said the Fraction, taking no notice of the Major, for he loved to tease small girls.

“I'll reduce you,” cried Lucy.

“You can’t,” shouted the Fraction.

“I’ll turn you into decimals,” said Lucy.

Without another word the Fraction dropped the book, and fell on his knees at Lucy’s feet.

“Don’t,” he said, “don’t. You know I want to be a whole number again so badly; I want to get my new dress.”

“Never mind, I didn’t mean it,” said Lucy. “You know I wouldn’t hurt you.”

“You wouldn’t hurt a rook, would you?” said the Fraction, “though a number did fly over your head crying, ‘Caw, caw, caw,’ on their way to bed.”

“Hurt my rooks! No, indeed!” cried Lucy.

“But tell me who this old boy, I mean this old gentleman is,” said the Fraction, picking himself up, “and I should be pleased to know the name of the charming young lady.”

“Major C, this is Thirteen-fourteenths,” said Lucy. “Major C is one of a large family much honoured in Music Landthe ScalesMajor C Scale.” Major C bowed politely, and, being a stately old gentleman, he could bow very politely.

“Thirteen-fourteenths, from Sum Land,” said Lucy, “is an 3