"Don't mind me," said Aunt Mary sobbing. "It's just that I happened to
just think of Lu--Lu--Lucinda--and somehow I don't seem to have no strength
to bear it."
"Split the handkerchief between us," said Clover. "I want to cry, too, and
there's no time like the present for doing what you want to do."
"Rot!" said Jack, "look here--"
He was interrupted by the return of the embassy, Mitchell bearing the
jews-harps.
"What's the matter?" Burnett asked.
"Nothing," said Clover; "we were so worried over you, that's all." Burnett
called for the bill and found that he had run out of cash; "Or maybe I've
had my pocket picked," he suggested. "I'm beginning to be in just the mood
in which I always get my pocket picked."
Jack produced a roll of bills and settled for the refreshments. Then they
all started down stairs as Aunt Mary wouldn't risk an elevator going down.
"It's all right comin' up," she said, "but if it broke when you were going
down where'd you be?"
"In the elevator," said Clover. "I'd never jump, I know that."
"Oh, I've left my ear-trumpet," said Aunt Mary.
"Let's draw lots to see who goes back?" Burnett suggested.
They drew and the lot fell to Clover.
"I'm not going back," he said coldly. "I haven't got the energy. Let her
apply the megaphone."
Jack went back.
Then they all got into the street and into the cabs. Aunt Mary and Jack
went first, Mitchell and Burnett second, and Clover brought up the rear
alone.
Pages:
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180