"Almost ready to shear," replied Jane, in as jovial a tone as Dozia had betrayed. "There are whiskers on the moon, and the sun has a pompadour. How's little Beantown?"
"Browning nicely, thank you!" in an invisible pun. "I had a pan just before I left."
Good old Dozia, always ready for a lark. No doubt she did have what might be taken for a "panning" previous to leaving home if she perpetrated any of her famous jokes physically. Dozia was regarded "an awful joker" and she usually preferred the illustrated brand of funnies.
"Welcome to our city," yelled Minette Brocton. "Someone said you had made your debut--saw you in New York."
"Oh, hello, Nettie," called back Jane. She liked Minette, and wondered if she had seen the "housekeepers" while that squad was on duty in New York.
"What are squashes fetching to-day? And have you any very nice La France onions?" asked Minette in a tone full of good humor. "I wonder, Jane, you did not buy a pushcart."
"Oh, Nettie Brocton! Don't you dare tell me you saw us in New York and never came to see us," reproached Jane.
"Couldn't find you. All I could ever see distinctly were brown paper bundles."
"Oh, Nettie, really, did you see me in New York?" Jane was coaxing now.
"No, but a friend of mine did. There now, not one more scrap of information will I give you. But I love your little friend Nellie."