“How old are you, Topsy?” she asked, kindly.

“Dunno, missis,” said Topsy, showing all her white teeth.

“Didn’t anybody ever tell you? Who was your mother?”

“Nevah had none!” answered the child with another grin.

“Never had a mother? Why, Topsy, what do you mean? Where were you born?”

“Nevah was born!” replied the little imp, still grinning, and all the questions