A very intelligent boy was
A very intelligent boy was fortunate enough to be receiving a far better education than his parents had enjoyed, and his vocabulary far outstripped theirs. One day he came home from school and said ?Mommy, may I relate to you a narrative??
?What?s a narrative, Gerald?? she asked.
?A narrative, Mommy, is a tale.?
?Oh, I see,? said his mother nodding, and Gerald told her his story. At bedtime as he was about to go upstairs he said, ?Shall I extinguish the light Mommy??
?What?s extinguish?? she asked.
?Extinguish means to put out, Mommy,? said brainy Gerald
?Oh, I see. Yes, certainly.?
The next day the clergyman came to tea and the family dog began to make a nuisance of himself, as a dog will, by begging for goodies from the table. ?Gerald,? said his mother, trying to impress, ?take that dog by the narrative and extinguish him!?