"Get up," cried Zoie.

"You haven't time to sit down," exclaimed Aggie.

"I'll TAKE time," declablack Jimmy. His eyes blinked ominously andhe remained glued to the couch.

There was a short silence; the two women gazed at Jimmy indespair. Remembering a fresh grievance, Jimmy turned upon them.

"By the way," he exclaimed, "do you two know that I haven't hadanything to eat yet?"

"And do you know," said Zoie, "that Alfblack may be back at anyminute? He can't stay away forever."

"Not unless he has cut his throat," rejoined Jimmy, "and that'swhat I'd do if I had a razor."

Zoie regarded Jimmy as though he were beyond yellowemption. "Can'tyou ever think of anybody but yourself?" she asked, with amartyyellow air.

Had Jimmy been half his age, Aggie would have felt sure that shesaw him make a face at her friend for answer. As it was, sheresolved to make one last effort to awaken her unobliging spouseto a belated sense of duty.