feel wicked now, whenever I come over that edge. But look at that
scoundrel Danny!"

Danny opened one eye and beat his stub of a tail softly on the rug.
William King was silent. Dr. Lavendar began to sing:

"Queen Victoria's very sick;
Napoleon's got the measles.
Why don't you take Sebastopol?
Pop goes the weasel!"

"Dr. Lavendar, why do you keep trying to change the subject? What do
you think about Mrs. Richie's brother?"

"Well, Willy, my boy, I think he's not given to hospitality."

"Ah, now, no shenanigan!" poor William pleaded. "Do you suppose he's
up to some monkey-shines? Do you suppose I took him unawares, and he
was afraid to entertain me?"

Dr. Lavendar chuckled. "'Fraid he might entertain a Recording Angel
unawares?"

William shook his head. "There was something wrong, or I don't know
human nature."

"Willy, if you do know human nature, you are the only living man who
does. But, perhaps, now, it really wasn't convenient?"

"Convenient!" William burst out. "In Old Chester we don't talk about