George was, evidently, not interested. He continued to look out of
the window.

"What are they?" he asked, without turning.

"Oh, I don't know. All sorts of queer dolls and boats--and
creatures, made of wood. Like those outside, you know--er--
teetotums, windmills. Do come and look at them."

Mr. Powless did not comply. He said "Umph" and that was all.

"George," repeated Mrs. Powless, "do you hear me? Come and look at
them."

And George came. One might have inferred that, when his wife spoke
like that, he usually came. He treated a wooden porpoise to a
thoroughly wooden stare and repeated his remark of "Umph!"

"Aren't they extraordinary!" exclaimed his wife. "Does this man
make them himself, I wonder?"

She seemed to be addressing her husband, so Jed did not answer.

"Do you?" demanded Mr. Powless.

"Yes," replied Jed.

Mrs. Powless said "Fancy!" Mr. Powless strolled back to the
window.