Only for a day or two after the adventure with the bull were things in the house more peaceable. Then—all about nothing—came a great upset.
Mr. Ellis, when he heard of Geraldine's courage (which he did from Joe's master) called the children into his study, and was pleased to express himself as gratified, adding that he hoped his daughter was taking after his family and ancestors, who had always been remarkable for presence of mind.
"But what are you giggling at, children?" he asked, half offended, as the twins burst out into peals of laughter, after a glance and nudge at each other.
"Only a riddle, dad," replied Gerald, "and an old one, but not bad. Dina and I both thought of it when you said presence of mind."
"And what may this very amusing riddle be?" inquired Mr. Ellis drily.
"The question is, 'What is better than presence of mind in an accident?'" said Dina.
"How silly!" commented Mr. Ellis. "Nothing can be better," and his face maintained an unchanged gravity, though the children's eyes were dancing with merriment.
"That's not the answer, dad! Do you give it up?" cried the little girl.
Mr. Ellis gave a resigned nod of assent.
"All right, dad!" said Gerald. "The answer to 'What is better than presence of mind?' is simply 'Absence of body.'"