"I never heered such a name in all my life," said Connie.
"Wery like not. I were christened by the proper name o' James; but no James as ever walked 'ud hold me--it didn't fit no w'y; an' Pickles did. So Pickles I am, an' Pickles I'll be to the end o' the chapter. Now, as to wot I wants--w'y; I wants a talk with that mealy-faced chap wot looks as if I'd heat him up alive."
"No, I don't," said Giles. "I were only thinking as you 'ad the wery reddest 'air I iver see'd in my life."
"Personal remarks air considered ill-mannered, young man. And let me tell yer as my hair's my special glory. But now to business. You can't know, I guess, wot I wants yer for."
"That's rum; and I to tike the trouble not only to wisit yer own most respectable mansion, but to foller yer 'ere in the true sperrit of kindness."
"Ye're wery good; but I can't guess wot ye're up to," answered Giles.
"Dear, dear! the silliness o' folks! Now, w'en a stranger seeks yer hout, isn't it safe to s'pose as he brings news?"
"Next clue--shall I 'elp yer a bit? You 'asn't, so to speak, lost something lately--thimble, or a pair of scissors, or something o' that sort?"
"Oh, it's Sue! It's my darling Sue;" exclaimed Giles, a light breaking all over his face. "'As yer brought news of Sue, boy?"
"Oh! a gel, in course--my own dear, dear, only sister."
"A little, fat, podgy kind o' woman-gel, wid a fine crop o' freckles and sandy hair?"
"Yes, yes; that's she. I have bin waiting fur her hall night. Where is she? Please, please, Pickles, where is she?"
"Well, can't yer guess? Where 'ud she be likely ter be? She worn't a wandering sort o' gel, as neglected her home duties, wor she?"
"Oh no! she never stayed out in hall her life afore."
"She worn't, so to speak, a gel as wor given to pilfer, and might be tuk to cool herself in the lock-up."
"Never--never! Sue 'ud sooner die than take wot worn't her own; and I wish I wor strong enough to punch yer head fur thinkin' sech a thing," said Giles, his face now crimson with indignation.
"Well, softly, softly, young un; I didn't say as she _did_ pilfer. I think that 'ere podgy gel as honest as the day. But now, can't yer guess where she his?"
"Oh yes! I can guess wery well," answered Giles, his face softening down. "I guessed long ago--didn't I, Connie?"