“Mrs. Tubbs turned pale.
“'What are you trying to do, you monster?' she faltered.
“'I have come home to dinner, Mary,' was the meek reply.
“'Come home to dinner!' exclaimed Mrs. Tubbs, aghast. 'Who in the name of wonder are you, you overgrown brute?'
“'Who am I? asked the giant, smiling feebly, for he began to feel a little queer at this reception from the wife with whom he had lived for fifteen years. 'Ha! ha! don't you know your own husband—your Tommy?'
“'My husband!' exclaimed Mrs. Tubbs, astonished at the fellow's impudence. 'You, don't mean to say that you are my husband?'
“'Of course I am,' said Thomas.
“'Then,' said Mrs. Tubbs, 'I would have you know that my husband is a respectable little man, not half your size.'
“'Oh, dear!' thought Thomas. 'Well, here's a kettle of fish; my own wife won't own me!'
“'So I was,' he said aloud. 'I was only four feet six; but I've—I've grown.'