"Wait until it's baked," said Louise, "and you can have a piece."
John was transported into a seventh heaven of ecstasy, and followed her into the parlor. They sat on the floor and played dominoes while the minutes flew past.
"That's five games for me," Louise broke out exultantly. John nodded and gazed listlessly around the room. On the bottom shelf of the magazine table was a red and black checkerboard.
"Let's play that," he pointed with one grimy finger.
Louise demurred. "I don't know how."
"I'll teach you," her victim said eagerly. So she did penance for her victories until Mrs. Martin appeared in the doorway and smiled down at them.
"Come, kiddies. It's ready now."
They broke for the kitchen in a wild dash, leaving boards and men on the carpet as they had finished with them.
Half an hour later, John sauntered into the house, his hat cocked exultantly over one ear, and his mouth redolent of savory spices. He heard voices in the dining-room and stuck his head in between the portières.
"That you, John?" asked his mother. "Where on earth have you been?"