CHAPTER XV.
THE MAN WHO NEVER CAME "Is it true that your mother's a bonny swearer ?" Tommy wanted to find out all about the Painted Lady, and the best way was to ask.
"She does not always swear," Grizel said eagerly.

"She sometimes says sweet, sweet things." "What kind of things ?" "I won't tell you." "Tell me one." "Well, then, 'Beloved.'" "Word We have no Concern with," murmured Tommy.

He was shocked, but still curious.

"Does she say 'Beloved' to you ?" he inquired.
"No, she says it to him." "Him! Wha is he ?" Tommy thought he was at the beginning of a discovery, but she answered, uncomfortably, "I don't know." "But you've seen him ?" "No, he--he is not there." "Not there! How can she speak to him if he's no there ?" "She thinks he is there.

He--he comes on a horse." "What is the horse like ?" "There is no horse." "But you said--" "She just thinks there is a horse.