that he himself should be allowed to undertake this onerous duty.
Mary laughed at this. It was not the business of Man to push perambulators, and no self-respecting woman would ever endure the spectacle.
The pushing of the perambulator had all the elements of a pretty little quarrel in it; but these young married people were much too modern and sensible to conduct themselves in that old and foolish fashion. Amantium iræ amused them not. Real pals don't snarl at one another, whatever Q. Horatius may have to say upon the subject.
Therefore the proud father had to capitulate. Besides, said Mary, it would never do for white spats by Grant and Cockburn to condescend to such a menial occupation. The Button Club would certainly expel their wearer if he was guilty of any such solecism. Even as it was, rumor had it that he had been severely reprimanded by the Committee for daring to stand as a Rag for Blackhampton, and worse, of getting himself elected by a considerable majority. If he were to be seen pushing a "pram" in the park on a fine June morning, he would be compelled to resign his membership of the institution.
The member for Blackhampton had to yield; and Mary was left in undisputed possession of her perambulator and its lusty occupants. And certainly, as she
