She smiled approvingly, and told them to go into her own parlor. In due course they were bidden to the feast, over which they were glad to have her preside, for she talked very entertainingly. Eventually the spokesman broached the question of payment.
“Now, then, mother, how much do we owe you, please?”
“Oh, nothing! I’m sure I’ve been very glad to have you.”
“But, look here! I’d never have come in ordering stuff to eat without expecting to pay for it. You know you can’t keep a ‘pub.’ open on dinners for naught! Now, can you, mother?”
“No, I can’t, my dear lad! I don’t try to. This isn’t the pub. It’s the house next door!”
INCONSIDERATE BEGGAR
“What do you think?” exclaimed Mrs. Twobble. “While the Belgian Relief Committee was holding an important meeting yesterday afternoon in my drawing-room a ragged woman came to the house and asked for food. She had a baby in her arms, too!”
“What did you do?” asked Mrs. Gadson.
“Sent her about her business, of course! I was reading my report to the committee and had no time to bother with stray beggars.”