"But it's receipted," says he, "with the compliments of Brooks Bladen. What does that mean?"
"Means I'm some buyer, I guess," says I. "Souvenir of a little fam'ly reunion I started, that's all. But you ain't the only one. Wait till you see what I drew from Uncle Jeff."
CHAPTER VIII
GLADYS IN A DOUBLE BILL
He meant well, Mr. Robert did; but, say, between you and me, he come blamed near spillin' the beans. Course, I could see by the squint to his eyelids that he's about to make what passes with him for a comic openin'.
"I hate to do it, Torchy," says he, "especially on such a fine afternoon as this."
"Go on," says I, "throw the harpoon! Got your yachtin' cap on, ain't you? Well, have I got to sub for you at a directors' meeting or what?"
"Worse than that," says he. "You see, Marjorie and Ferdy are having a veranda tea this afternoon, up at their country house."
"Help!" says I. "But you ain't billin' me for any such——"