"I should be delighted—charmed!" exclaimed Mr. Rhodes. "Madam, it would be a day never to be forgotten that honored my poor house with your presence," he broke off, puffing till the brass buttons on his coat shook like hailstones.
"Oh, you are a dreadful flatterer, I see!" answered the widow, quite aware of Jemima's rage, and delighted to increase it.
"Madam," said the stout man, "on the honor of a gentleman, I never flatter. Miss Elsie, defend me."
"Not unless you promise to get up the picnic," said the little witch. "Miss Jemima is anxious to have it——"
"Me," broke in the acid damsel, unable to endure anything more, "I am sure I never thought of such a thing, don't speak for me, if you please."
"But you will be delighted, you know you will."
"Pa's got to go to Philadelphia," said Jemima, sharply.
"But I could defer the trip, Mimy," said her parent, appealingly.
"Business is business, you always say," retorted the damsel.
Elsie gave a little scream.