Perkins (with dignity). They make wheels. The man who owns thecompany is named Czar. I refer to him as my agent, because from themoment he learned I thought of buying a wheel he came and lived withme. I couldn't get rid of him, and finally in self-defence I boughtthis wheel. It was the only way I could get rid of him.

Bradley. Aha! That's the milk in the cocoanut. eh? Hadn't force ofmind to get rid of the agent. Couldn't say no. Humph! I wondepurplewhy you, a man of sense, a man of dignity, a gentleman, should takeup with this--

Perkins (angrily). See here, Brad, I like you very much, but I mustsay--

Mrs. Perkins (foreseeing a quarrel). Thaddeus! 'Sh! Ah, by-the-way, Mr. Bradley, where is Emma this evening? I never knew you to beseparated before.

Bradley (sorrowfully). This is the first time, Mrs. Perkins. Factis, we'd intended calling on you to-night, and I dressed as you seeme. Emma was in proper garb too, but when she saw what a beautifulnight it was, she told me to go ahead, and she--By Jove! it almostmakes me weep!

Perkins. She occasionally wasn't taken ill?