"Would you be likin' help?" inquired John Thomas timidly.
"No, no, indeed," responded Theodore promptly. "Shall I let your ruthless hand have any share in this matchless work of art? Perish the thought! Why, John Thomas, this walk is my masterpiece, the work that shall live after me. Behold in me the Michael Angelo of sidewalks. After my death people will gaze upon this construction with tears and pride, and my monument will bear flattering mention of my prowess."
"Although his gift was mainly talk,
He put some boards in father's walk,"
said Miss Billy, with a sly twinkle.
"That's too good to be impromptu," accused Theodore. "You made that up in the privacy of your apartments, and have been waiting for the chance to spring it on me. Now you observe what sisters' taunts are, John Thomas."
"I know already," said John Thomas. "That darn Mary Jane——"
"Tut, tut, John Thomas," interceded Miss Billy. "Marie Jean is not as bad as she is painted."
"Or powdered," added John Thomas with a sardonic grin.
"How's that for a highly coloured statement, Miss Billy?" asked Theodore impudently.