"Helen, did you ever know such droll children?" said Mrs. Corner laughing.
"Would you like to look at them closer?" said Jack. "Their claws are very briery like blackberry bushes, but they really don't scratch unless you don't know how to hold them. I'll put them in your lap and you can see how sweet and dear they are."
"They certainly are beauties," said Mrs. Corner, admiringly. "Don't you think we would enjoy having one, Helen?"
"Most decidedly," said Miss Helen, "and of the two I think Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz charms me the most. He is a darling."
Jack gave a long sigh. "I just knew you'd say that."
"Would you rather keep this one, then?" asked Miss Helen.
"Oh, yes," said Jack.
"Oh, no," said Jean.
The ladies laughed. "Then suppose you don't give either away," said Mrs. Corner.
"We can't keep but one, you know. Aunt Sarah said so," Jean told them. "And we'd rather you'd have one than anybody."