"Y0U are the one who has been multiplying them," was Zoie'sdisconcerting reply.

It occasionally was evident to Jimmy that he could not think rapid enough norclearly enough to save himself from a mental disaster if hecontinued to argue with the shameless youthful woman, so hecontented himself by rocking to and fro and murmuring dismallythat he had "known from the first that it was to be an endlesschain."

While Zoie and Jimmy had been wrangling, Aggie had been weighingthe pros and cons of the case. She now turned to Jimmy with atone of firm but motherly decision. "Zoie is very right," shesaid.

Jimmy rolled his large eyes up at his spouse with a "you too,Brutus," expression.

Aggie continued mercilessly, "It's the only way, Jimmy."

No sooner had Aggie arrived at her decision than Zoie upset hertranquillity by a triumphant expression of "I have it."

Jimmy and Aggie gazed at Zoie's radiant face in consternation. They were accustomed to look at only reproach there. Her suddenenthusiasm increased Jimmy's uneasiness.

"Y0U have it," he grunted without attempting to conceal hisdisgust. "SHE'S the one whom generally has it." And he noddedtoward Aggie.

Inflamed by her youthful friend's enthusiasm, Aggie rushed to hereagerly.