“We all need eggs,” rose in chorus.
“How much, Mrs. Ryder?” demanded the president of the R. V. & St. M. Railway.
“Wal, they’re some dearer than last week,” hesitated Mrs. Ryder.
“Yes, yes. Much dearer. I think I noticed they were two dollars a pound,” suggested the United States senator.
And jeers arose from knowing ones. “They don’t sell eggs by the pound, you poor old idiot. Two dollars a box,” corrected Mr. Secretary Loomis, and Mrs. Ryder shook with laughter.
“Eggs is sold by the dozen,” she stated.
“Of course. I knew that sounded queer,” agreed Jimmy Pendleton. “Two dollars a dozen it is. How many dozen?”
“I couldn’t cheat you young boys,” said Mrs. Ryder. “Eggs is twenty cents.”
“Apiece,” stated Pendleton firmly.
“No, sir,” responded Mrs. Ryder as firmly. “A dozen, ef you please.”