"Well, it's like this," said Dicky; "Miss Wick is rather nervous about overcrowding, and I think it's better to run no risks myself. You all go down, and we'll follow you next trip. See?"
"I suppose you will hardly allow that, Mrs. Wick," said our relation, with ominous portent.
"Est ce que vous voulez à déscendre, monsieur?" inquired the official attached to the elevator, with some impatience.
"I don't see what there is to object to—I suppose it would be safer," momma replied anxiously, and the official again demanded if we were going down.
"Not this trip, thank you," said Dicky, and turned away. Mrs. Portheris, who had taken her seat, rose with dignity. "In that case," said she, "I also will remain at the top;" but her determination arrived too late. With a ferocious gesture the little official shut the door and gave the signal, and Mrs. Portheris sank earthwards, a vision of outraged propriety. I felt sorry for momma.
"And now," I inquired of Mr. Dod, "why was the elevator not safe?"
"I'll tell you," said Dicky. "Do you know Mrs. Portheris well?"
"Very slightly indeed," I replied.
"Not well enough to—sort of chum up with our party, I suppose."
"Not for worlds," said I.