“You are as welcome as the flowers in spring,” said Mr. Hall; “and must not think of leaving until after dinner at least and not then unless you must.”
“You are kind,” said Mrs. Spellman, smiling into the bright faces, “but we have stopped this time merely to leave Ruth for the day, unless she will be in the way of the boys.”
“Do ye hear that?” asked the aggrieved Mike; “it’s our intuition to kaap her a waak at least and longer if her folks will consint.”
“This time she is to spend the day.”
“A day is twenty-four hours long,” insinuated the Scout Master.
“But a work day is half or less than half of that,” insisted the mother.
“This isn’t going to be a work day but a play day, as Jerry Donovan said after the bull had chased him a mile and was gaining on him all the time.”
“I guess we shall have to compromise, wife,” remarked the husband, “and leave Stubby here until to-morrow.”
“I am afraid there is no way of escaping it; Mike, you hear the agreement; you and Alvin and Chester must bring Ruth home to-morrow at this hour.”
“Ye hev me promise,” and the other two bowed their heads.