“'Grown!' Mrs. Tubbs laughed hysterically. 'That's a likely story, when it's only an hour since my husband went into the street as short as ever. I only wish he'd come in, I do, to expose your imposition.'
“'But I have grown, Mary,' said Tubbs piteously. 'I was out in the crowd, and I couldn't see what was going on, and so I wished I was ten feet high; and, before I knew it, I was as tall as I am now.'
“'No doubt,' said Mrs. Tubbs incredulously, 'As to that, all I've got to say is, that you'd better wish yourself back again, as I sha'n't own you as my husband till you do!'
“'Really,' thought Mr. Tubbs, 'this is dreadful! What can I do!'
“Just then one of his children ran into the room.
“'Johnny, come to me,' said his father imploringly. 'Come to your father.'
“'My father!' said Johnny, shying out of the room. 'You ain't my father. My father isn't as tall as a tree.'
“'You see how absurd your claim is,' said Mrs. Tubbs. 'You'll oblige me by leaving the house directly.'
“'Leave the house—my house!' said Tubbs.
“'If you don't, I'll call in the neighbors,' said the courageous woman.