Small talk? What was that even supposed to mean? Did he mean-- GOSSIP?

A dirty look flashed between them for just a split second, then vanished. Papa hated it when they gossipped, but it was ever so much fun-- and practical to get somebody set up to take the plunge from one of their pranks-- but the comment about the bakery had them confused.

"[color=ed145b]Why'd he beh all droopy o'er stale bread for?[/color]"

"[color=f7941d]Was dey anybuddy else tryin' tuh buy anuh?[/color]"

"[color=ed145b]If dey was, at'd es'plain it-- at silly bear. He buy all da bread he could 'ford, on accounta bein' a bear an all-- and 'en somebuddy want some afer, and no' get none? You know how he is![/color]"

The two cackled mischeviously with their heads bowed and their noses almost touching each other, before returning their attention to Solomon.

"[color=ed145b]So tell me fellah, why you's smell like ya roll' in dirt a'fore ya come here?[/color]"

"[color=f7941d]LILY! Ya cain't as' 'at! Dis here nice man wanna tell us why he smell like he crawl' outta an ol' hole, he gunna do at hims own self-- Don' go askin' 'im stuffs like at! He prolly got hims' reasons![/color]"

"[color=ed145b]Well i's true-- but acourse ya's righ'-- Sorry mis'er-- You wanna tell us why yas smells like an ol' graveyard, you goes ahead an tells us, but ya ain't gotta. Sorreh uh asked![/color]"

"'[color=f7941d]Ats better! Naow, was' yer name, fellah?[/color]"