"That's the
first time I've ever heard you swear."
"Well, it won't be the LAST time," declared Jimmy hotly, "if THIS
keeps up." His eyes were blazing. He paced to and fro like an
infuriated lion.
"Dearest," said Aggie, "you look almost imposing."
"Nonsense," interrupted Zoie. who found Jimmy unusually
ridiculous. "If I'd known that Jimmy was going to put such an
idea into Alfred's head, I'd have got the two in the first
place."
"Will she let us HAVE the other?" asked Aggie with some
misgiving.
"Of course she will," answered Zoie, leaving Jimmy entirely out
of the conversation. "She's as poor as a church mouse. I'll pay
her well. She'll never miss it. What could she do with one
twin, anyway?"
A snort of rage from Jimmy did not disturb Zoie's enthusiasm.
She proceeded to elaborate her plan.
"I'll adopt them," she declared, "I'll leave them all Alfred's
money. Think of Alfred having real live twins for keeps."
"It would be nice, wouldn't it?" commented Jimmy sarcastically.
Zoie turned to Jimmy, as though they were on the best of terms.
"How much money have you?" she asked.
Before Jimmy could declare himself penniless, Aggie answered for
him with the greatest enthusiasm, "He has a whole lot; he drew
some today."
"Good!" exclaimed Zoie to the abashed Jimmy, and then she
continued in a matter-of- fact tone, "Now, Jimmy," she said, "you
go give the washwoman what money you have on account, then tell
her to come around here in the morning when Alfred has gone out
and I'll settle all the details with her.
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