Aggie motioned to Zoie to be quiet. “TO-NIGHT!” she exclaimed.
“To-night!” echoed Zoie joyfully; and without waiting for more details and with no thought beyond the moment, she flew to her dressing table and began arranging her hair, powdering her face, perfuming her lips, and making herself particularly alluring for the prodigal husband's return.
Now the far-sighted Aggie was experiencing less pleasant sensations at the phone. “A special?” she was saying to Jimmy. “When did Alfred GET the message?” There was a slight pause. Then she asked irritably, “Well, didn't you mark it 'NIGHT message'?” From the expression on Aggie's face it was evident that he had not done so. “But, Jimmy,” protested Aggie, “this is dreadful! We haven't any baby!” Then calling to him to wait a minute, and leaving the receiver dangling, she crossed the room to Zoie, who was now thoroughly engrossed in the making of a fresh toilet. “Zoie!” she exclaimed excitedly, “Jimmy made a mistake.”
“Of course he'd do THAT,” answered Zoie carelessly.
“But you don't understand,” persisted Aggie. “They sent the 'NIGHT message' TO-DAY. Alfred's coming on a special. He'll be here tonight.”
“Thank goodness for that!” cried Zoie, and the next instant she was waltzing gaily about the room.
“That's all very well,” answered Aggie, as she followed Zoie with anxious eyes, “but WHERE'S YOUR BABY?”
“Good heavens!” cried Zoie, and for the first time she became conscious of their predicament. She gazed at Aggie in consternation. “I forgot all about it,” she said, and then asked with growing anxiety, “What can we DO?”
“Do?” echoed Aggie, scarcely knowing herself what answer to make, “we've got to GET it—TO-NIGHT. That's all!”
“But,” protested Zoie, “how CAN we get it when the mother hasn't signed the papers yet?”