"That I had better tell you about it," he answered.

And the matter-of-fact Betty Jo returned: "Judy seems to be a very
particular and common-sensing sort of Judy, doesn't she?"

And Brian realized all at once that Judy was exactly what Betty Jo said.

"But,--I--I--don't see how I CAN tell you, Miss Williams."

"Why?" laughed Betty Jo. "It is perfectly simple, Mr. Burns, here,
now, I'll show you: You are to sit down there on that nice comfortable
rock,--that is your big office-chair, you know,--and I'll sit right here
on this rock,--which is my little stenography-chair,--and you will just
explain the serious business proposition to me with careful attention to
details. I must tell you that 'detailing' is one of my strong points, so
don't spare me. I really should have my notebook, shouldn't I?"

Again, in spite of himself, Brian smiled; also, before he was aware,
they were both seated as Betty Jo had directed.

"But this is not a business matter, Miss Williams," he managed to
protest half-heartedly.

Betty Jo was looking at her watch in a most matter-of-fact manner, and
she answered in a most matter-of-fact voice: "Everything is more or less
a business matter, isn't it, Mr. Burns?"

And Brian, if he had answered, would have agreed.