up as fast as you can."

Mrs. Hobbs was astonished.

"Put 'em in a satchel?" she repeated. "What for? Where's she goin'?"

"She's goin' home along with me and Zoeth. And she's got to start inside
of half an hour. You hurry."

"But--but--"

"There ain't any 'buts'; haven't got time for 'em."

Mr. Hamilton regarded his friend with an odd expression.

"Shadrach," he asked, "do you realize what you're sayin'?"

"Who's sayin'? You said it, I didn't. Besides takin' her home with us
today don't mean nothin', does it? A visit won't hurt us. Visits don't
bind anybody to anything. Jumpin' Judas! I guess we've got room enough
in the house to have one young-one come visitin' for--for a couple of
days, if we want to. What are you makin' such a fuss about? Here
you," turning to the housekeeper, "ain't you gone yet? You've got just
thirteen minutes to get that satchel ready."

Mrs. Hobbs departed, outraged dignity in her walk and manner.

"Am--am I goin'?" faltered Mary-'Gusta.

Zoeth nodded.