"One thing more, Mr. Hickox," said Mrs. Dorrance. "Are there ever any burglars or marauders around this neighborhood?"
"Land, no, ma'm! Bless your heart, don't you worry a mite! Such a thing was never heard of in these parts. Burglars! ho, ho, well I guess not! Why I've never locked my front door in my life, and I never knew anybody around here that did."
After Mr. Hickox's departure, Leicester observed thoughtfully, "What a very surprisable woman Mrs. Hickox seems to be."
"Yes," agreed Dorothy; "I'm anxious to see her. I think I'd like to surprise her a few times."
"Well, he's a nice man," said Lilian; "I like him."
"Yes, he is nice," said Leicester; "and isn't that jolly about the boats? I'm going right out to hunt them up."
"Hold on, my First Gold-Stick-In-Waiting," said Dorothy; "I think you promised to make a kitchen fire."
"Sure enough, Major-domo," returned Leicester, gaily; "I'll do that in a jiffy. Where's the kindling-wood?"
"Where's the kindling-wood, indeed," returned Dorothy; "you're to make the fire, and you're also to make the kindling-wood, and the paper and the matches! I'm not employing assistants who don't assist."
"All right, my lady. I'll make your fire, even if I have to split up that big settle for fire-wood."