There were several other friends in the A's and B's and two in the C's who were taken out in the Wheeler automobile before Herbert one day groaned:
"Jessica, this alphabet business is killing me. It does seem as if Z never would be reached!"
"Why, Herbert!—and they 're all our friends, and you know how much they think of it."
"I think of it, too, when the dinner checks and the supper checks come in. Jessica, we just simply can't stand it!"
Jessica frowned and sighed.
"I know, dear; but when the car did n't cost anything—"
"Well, lobster salads and chicken patties cost something," mentioned the man grimly.
"I know it; but it seems so—so selfish to go all by ourselves with those empty seats behind us. And there are so many I have promised to take. Herbert, what can we do?"
"I don't know; but I know what we can't do. We can't feed them to the tune of a dollar or two a plate any longer."
There was a long pause; then Jessica clapped her hands.