"It _is_ a wonder," I responded.

"I can't decide yet what chair to sit in, nor just what she wants the
kids to do."

I still smiled.

"I expect she hasn't determined yet," he went drawling on, "in what
chair I will look most decorative."

He ruminated.

"You know, she's got the idea that there's too much of everything. I
guess there is, too--and that she ought to select only those things that
an essential. I've been wondering, if she had more than one husband
whether or not she'd select me----"

The restless young Jamie was now starting the machine, and Richard
Starkweather leaned out and said to me in parting: "isn't she a wonder!
Did all the planning herself--wouldn't have an architect--wouldn't have
a decorator--all I could do--"

As he turned around I saw him throw one arm carelessly about the
shoulders of the sturdy younger boy who sat next him.

When I got home I told Harriet all about what I had seen and heard. I
think I must feel when I am retailing such fascinating neighbourhood
events to Harriet--how she _does_ enjoy them!--I must feel very much as
she does when she is urging me to have just a little more of the new