Mrs. H. Pardon me, Mr. Randolph——Oh!

Burl. Allow me to present myself, Mrs. Hudson——

Hud. Ned Burleigh!

Burl. Quite right, this time. I am Steve's chum.

Mrs. H. Why, Stephen, I don't understand.

Burl. [to Hud., severely]. I do.

Mrs. H. Will you explain this?

Burl. Yes, I think you had better.

Hud. [putting on a bold front]. Well, you see, mother, it was just a little joke on Ned. Just a little joke, that is all. [Forces a laugh.]

Miss H. Then the other was not your chum?