“And break your resolution to teach them that our chamber is not a general ante-breakfast gathering-place?”
“Oh, they won’t infer anything of the kind if we admit them just once,” said Mrs. Burton.
“H’m—we won’t count this time,” quoted Mr. Burton from “Rip Van Winkle,” with a suggestive smile, which was instantly banished by a frown from his wife. Mr. Burton dutifully drew the bolt and both boys tumbled into the room.
“We were both leaning against the door,” explained Budge; “that’s why we dropped over each other. We knew you’d let us in.”
Mr. Burton gave his wife another peculiar look which the lady affected not to notice as she asked:
“What is the lovely thing you were going to tell us?”
“Why——”
“I—I—I—I—I——” interrupted Toddie.
BOTH BOYS TUMBLED INTO THE ROOM