"Take 'er to the Zoo," said Mr. Chase, impressively. "Take two-penn'orth o' nuts with you for the monkeys, and some stale buns for—for—for animals as likes 'em. Give 'er a ride on the elephant and a ride on the camel."
"Anything else?" inquired Mr. Teak disagreeably. "Any more ways you can think of for me to spend my money?"
"You do as I tell you," said his friend. "I've got an idea now where it is. If I'm able to show you where to put your finger on three 'undred pounds when you come 'ome it'll be the cheapest outing you have ever 'ad. Won't it?"
Mr. Teak made no reply, but, after spending the evening in deliberation, issued the invitation at the supper-table. His wife's eyes sparkled at first; then the light slowly faded from them and her face fell.
"I can't go," she said, at last. "I've got nothing to go in."
"Rubbish!" said her husband, starting uneasily.
"It's a fact," said Mrs. Teak. "I should like to go, too—it's years since I was at the Zoo. I might make my jacket do; it's my hat I'm thinking about."
Mr. Chase, meeting Mr. Teak's eye, winked an obvious suggestion.
"So, thanking you all the same," continued Mrs. Teak, with amiable cheerfulness, "I'll stay at 'ome."
"'Ow-'ow much are they?" growled her husband, scowling at Mr. Chase.