"Lerna!" called Milbun. "Lerna! Mavis! We have a guest for vacation!"
Dan became aware of a rhythmical clinking somewhere in the back of the apartment. Then a big, strong-looking woman, obviously fresh from the kitchen, hurried in, smiling. If she had been ill, she was clearly recovered now.
"Ah, how are you?" she cried. "We're so happy to have you!" She gripped his hand and called, "Mavis!"
The clinking stopped. A beautifully proportioned girl came in, wearing a sweatshirt and shorts. "Mother, I simply have to get off another pound or so—Oh!" She stared at Dan.
"Mavis," said Mr. Milbun, "this is Mr. Dan Redman. Devisement, my daughter Mavis."
"You're going with us!" she said happily. "How wonderful!"
"Now," said Mr. Milbun, "I imagine his Devisement wants to get a little rest before he goes down to the gym." He glanced at Dan. "We have a splendid gym here."
"Oh," said Mavis eagerly, "and you can use my weights."
"Thanks," said Dan.
"We're leaving tomorrow," Milbun told him. "The birth rate's still rising here, and last night the charge correction went up again. A little more and it'll take two of us to get a door open. It won't inconvenience you to leave tomorrow?"