"Polly wasn't there then. Now, listen, will you?"
"Yes, let him tell you, Ned," begged Bob.
"Gosh, I am listening! But I don't hear anything but piffle, and—"
"It isn't piffle, you stubborn chump. Some one's got to do something, haven't they? You don't want to see that poor old lady dumped right out on the sidewalk, do you? At her age? Nearly—" Laurie stifled "ninety" and substituted "eighty." "Gee, I supposed you'd be glad to help, instead of—of throwing obstacles in the way. Gee, supposing she was your aunt or—or something—"
"She isn't," said Ned briefly.
"Well, she might be. If she was—"
"I guess she's somebody's aunt," said Bob feelingly.
"Oh, shut up! I'd like to help her, of course, you idiots, but I don't see where we have any right to butt in and—"
"That's what I'm trying to explain to you," interrupted Ned. "If you'll just listen a minute—"
Ten minutes later Ned capitulated. Two min-
