"Oh, I shall educate you in time," returned Edna. "There, Sylvia, that will be the infant member of your cabinet."
"It seems pretty low down to kidnap a fellow of that size," remarked Dunham.
"But she's going to have a complete set of urchins,—from a little green pea to a personage."
"When you reach the personage class, remember me, Miss Sylvia. I have other references than this scoffing maiden."
Sylvia smiled. "But perhaps you wouldn't care to carry candles."
"Not care to burn candles before you? Of course I should."
"He's at it again, Sylvia," sighed Edna. "It's dreadful to have a starved man on our hands."
"Starved. That reminds me. Pardon me, ladies, if I look at my watch. Ah, half an hour's grace. I am going to ask you both to dine with me to-day. The procession moves at one sharp. If there are any signs of reluctance on the part of the hostess and her guest, I am to take one in each hand, with whatever fishy impedimenta cannot be lost, and repair with you to your cot. Miss Martha has spoken."
Edna laughed. "I'd forgotten, John, just what a shy flower you were!" she said.