“Neither do we! What’s got into you, Nannie?” John exclaimed, slightly irritated, but laughing. “I know _you_ don’t, John.” Nannie smiled at him. Lucy rose. “Help me bring in the dessert, Jim,” she invited. “Lucy does need a servant,” Nannie declared when she and John were alone together. * * * * * After dinner the men remained in their places to smoke as was their custom, and a little later they all drew their chairs back and the conversation became more animated as John related at length some of his experiences at the art school. Then Lucy began to clear the table. Jim glanced once or twice at Mrs. Merwent who was listening to John and asking questions about various girls mentioned by him in the course of his narrative. “Let me help you with the dishes, Lucy,” Jim lowered his voice slightly. “Why of course, Jim. I thought you had forgotten your job,” Lucy agreed, at the same time regarding her mother, who seemed much amused by something John had just said and entirely oblivious to her daughter. Jim removed his coat and he and Lucy carried the dishes to the kitchen, Dimmie assisting with invaluable efforts and advice. While the dish washing was in progress Mrs. Merwent appeared in the kitchen doorway, and surveyed the scene of activity: Jim, coatless and aproned, Lucy with her sleeves rolled up, and Dimmie in general administrative charge. “Why, Lucy, I didn’t know you were washing the dishes! Do let me help!” Nannie begged rather weakly. Lucy replied pleasantly. “No, thank you, Mamma. We’ll be through in a minute.” Nannie went back to the dining room. “They don’t seem to need us out there,” she informed John. “Do tell me some more about that Miss Stimpson at the Art School--the one with the red hair. I think she’s so interesting.” Soon Lucy and Jim returned to the dining room. Dimmie was hanging to his mother’s skirt and rubbing his eyes. She looked down at the child. “I think I know a little boy who wants to go to sleepy town.” She smiled at him and took his hand. “Kiss Papa and Uncle Jim,” she continued, leading him up to John. “And Nannie! Would you forget poor Nannie?” complained Mrs. Merwent, presenting her cheek which Dimmie dutifully kissed. “Good night, Dimmie,” Jim called after the child. “You’re quite domestic, Mr. Sprague,” Nannie commented after Lucy and Dimmie had gone upstairs. “Lucy turns old Jim into a regular hired girl when he’s here.” John grinned at his friend. Jim was lighting his pipe and did not show that he had heard Nannie’s remark. When he spoke it was to John. Dimmie fell asleep in the midst of the first bedtime story, and Lucy soon left him. When she came into the dining room her mother was moving about as though searching for something. “What is it, Mamma?” inquired Lucy. “Why a piece of sheet music I put here on the bookcase doesn’t seem to be here. Jimmie must have moved it.” “Let me help you find it,” offered John, jumping to his feet.