"Grandpa doesn't want his Monty to stay out after dark," chuckled
Subway Smith.

"It was most thoughtful of the old gentleman to have the man call
for you with the perambulator," shouted Pettingill above the
laughter. "Tell him you've already had your bottle," added
McCloud.

"Waiter, tell Ellis I'm too busy to be seen," commanded Brewster,
and as Ellis went down in the elevator a roar followed him.

"Now, for Brewster's speech!--Brewster!"

Monty rose.

"Gentlemen, you seem to have forgotten for the moment that I am
twenty-five years old this day, and that your remarks have been
childish and wholly unbecoming the dignity of my age. That I have
arrived at a period of discretion is evident from my choice of
friends; that I am entitled to your respect is evident from my
grandfather's notorious wealth. You have done me the honor to
drink my health and to reassure me as to the inoffensiveness of
approaching senility. Now I ask you all to rise and drink to 'The
Little Sons of the Rich.' May the Lord love us!"

An hour later "Rip" Van Winkle and Subway Smith were singing "Tell
Me, Pretty Maiden," to the uncertain accompaniment of Pettingill's
violin, when the electric bell again disturbed the company.