"You are being silly, Ted. If you'll promise to carry her about afterwards until she stops howling, you can speak to her now."
"I refuse your terms, and repudiate the vile implied slander," I returned, winking at the younger Helen. I believe the child sided with me. I poured myself a glass of stout and solemnly drank the baby's health. She continued to stare at me, not displeased.
"Ted, you dear idiot," exclaimed Helen, jumping up and kissing me in defiance of the nurse's presence.
"You have stout on your lips—serve you right," I said to the now retreating Helen. She scrubbed her face violently with a handkerchief no bigger than a postage stamp.
"Men are disgusting creatures."
"They are," I mused; "yet women love them." I drank deep of the stout.
"Ted, I'll shake you if you don't behave." She made a series of cabalistic signs at me, which, I took it, had reference to nurse. "It's time for baby's nap."
"Coward woman," I ejaculated, "you are afraid of me."
"Will you walk up to the nursery and set up the baby's crib?"
"Not unless I am paid in advance."