ere's a chance."

"Oh, in that case," says Marjorie, "perhaps we had better wait. We
don't wish to cause trouble for anyone, especially such a bright,
charming young----"

"Nix on the josh," says I. "And have a seat while I skirmish."

"Very well, then," says she, screwin' her face up cunnin' and handin'
me one of them crooked smiles.

Say, she pretty near had me goin' right from the start. And as I
tiptoes into the boss's room I sees he ain't doin' anything more
important than signin' letters.

"They're here," says I, "the wards. Is it all right to run 'em in now?"

He grunts, nods his head, and keeps on writin'. So I strolls back to
the reception room.

"All right," says I. "I've fixed it up for you."

"Now, wasn't that sweet in you?" gurgles Marjorie, glancin' sideways at
Brother. I couldn't swear it was a wink, either; but it's one of them
knowin' fam'ly looks, and she follows it up with a ripply sort of a
giggle.

"That's right!" says I. "Have all the fun you want with me; but I'd
warn you to ditch the mirth stuff while you're on the carpet. Mr.
Ellins don't like it."

"How interesting!" says Marjorie. "Dudley, I hope you understand. We
must ditch the mirth stuff."

They swaps another grin at that, and I have a suspicion I'm bein'
kidded. Just for that too I decides to stick around while they're
gettin' theirs from Old Hickory.

"This way," says I cold and haughty, as I tows 'em into the private
office.

Mr. Ellins lets 'em stand there a minute or so without sayin' a word,
and then he turns and looks 'em over deliberate. "Humph!" he grunts.
"Thought you were younger."

"Yes, Sir," says Marjorie, "we--er--we were at one time."

Old Hickory shoots a quizzin' glance at her; but there ain't the ghost
of a smile on her face.

"Huh!" says he. "I've no doubt. And I presume that in due course
you'll be older. Having agreed on that, perhaps you will tell me what
you're doing in New York?"

Marjorie starts in to give him the answer to that; but Dudley shakes
his head at her and takes the floor himself. "You see, Sir," says he
real respectful, "Mother's abroad this winter, and when we were asked
to visit friends on Long Island we thought----"

"Amy abroad, is she?" breaks in Mr. Ellins. "How does that happen?"

"The Adamses took her with them to Egypt," says Dudley. "They are old
friends of ours."

"Humph!" says Old Hickory. "Your mother must be rather popular?"

"Oh, everyone