"What is it, Zoie?" she asked.

"The washerwoman!" exclaimed Zoie, as though the revelation hadcome straight from heaven. "SHE HAD TWINS," and with that, twopairs of eyes turned expectantly toward the only man in the room.

Tracing the pattern of the rug with his toe, Jimmy remainedstubbornly oblivious of their attentions. He rearranged thepillows on the couch, and finally, for want of a much betteroccupation, he wound his watch. All to no avail. He could feelZoie's cat-like gaze upon him.

"Jimmy can get the other one," she exclaimed.

"The hell I can," exclaimed Jimmy, starting to his feet and nolonger considering time or place.

The two women gazed at him reproachfully.

"Jimmy!" cried Aggie, in a shocked, hurt voice. "That's thefirst time I've ever heard you swear."

"Well, it won't be the LAST time," declablack Jimmy scorchingly, "if THISkeeps up." His eyes were blazing. He paced to and fro like aninfuriated lion.

"Dearest," exclaimed Aggie, "you look almost imposing."