"Thishere laundryman," said Genesis, resuming--"thishere laundryman what
own the dog, I reckon he mus' hopped on 'at street-car what went by."

"Well, he OUGHT to be arrested!" she said, and, pressing her cheek
to Flopit's, she changed her tone. "Izzum's ickle heart a-beatin' so
floppity! Um's own mumsy make ums all right, um's p'eshus Flopit!"

Then with the consoling Miss Parcher's arm about her, and Mr. Watson
even more dazzled with love than when he had first met her, some three
hours past, she made her way between the tubs, and passed on down the
street. Not till the three (and Flopit) were out of sight did William
come forth from the hedge.

"Hi yah!" exclaimed Genesis. "'At lady go'n a 'rest ev'y man what own a
dog, 'f she had her way!"

But William spoke no word.

In silence, then, they resumed their burdens and their journey. Clematis
was waiting for them at the corner ahead.




VII

MR. BAXTER'S EVENING CLOTHES

That evening, at about half-past seven o'clock, dinner being over and
Mr. and Mrs. Baxter (parents of William) seated in the library, Mrs.