But Mrs. Milo was blissfully unaware of this bit of byplay. "Do you think Mrs. Balcome and I could make such an extended trip on five thousand?" she asked.
"Well, I'll raise the ante!—ten thousand." Balcome took out a fountain-pen.
"Oh, think of it!" raved Mrs. Milo, ecstatically. "The dream of my life!—Europe! Africa! Asia!—Dear Mrs. Balcome, what do you say?"
"We-e-e-ell," answered Mrs. Balcome, slowly, "can I take Babette?"
In his eagerness, Balcome addressed her direct. "Yes! Yes! I'll buy
Babette a dog satchel!"
"I'll go," declared Mrs. Balcome.
Mrs. Milo was all gratitude. "Oh, my dear, thank you! And we'll get ready today!—Why not? I certainly shan't stay here"—this with a glance at the toy-strewn bench. "Susan,—you must pack."
Sue stared. "Oh,—do—do I go?"
"Would you send me, at my age——"
"No! No!"—hastily.