"That's right!" says I. "Have all the fun you want with me; but I'd
warn you to ditch the mirth stuff while you're on the carpet. Mr.
Ellins don't like it."

"How interesting!" says Marjorie. "Dudley, I hope you understand. We
must ditch the mirth stuff."

They swaps another grin at that, and I have a suspicion I'm bein'
kidded. Just for that too I decides to stick around while they're
gettin' theirs from Old Hickory.

"This way," says I cold and haughty, as I tows 'em into the private
office.

Mr. Ellins lets 'em stand there a minute or so without sayin' a word,
and then he turns and looks 'em over deliberate. "Humph!" he grunts.
"Thought you were younger."

"Yes, Sir," says Marjorie, "we--er--we were at one time."

Old Hickory shoots a quizzin' glance at her; but there ain't the ghost
of a smile on her face.

"Huh!" says he. "I've no doubt. And I presume that in due course
you'll be older. Having agreed on that, perhaps you will tell me what
you're doing in New York?"

Marjorie starts in to give him the answer to that; but Dudley shakes
his head at her and takes the floor himself. "You see, Sir," says he
real respectful, "Mother's abroad this winter, and when we were asked