“Why, of course!” explained Nannie. “That isn’t it. In fact you needn’t keep any breakfast for me when I’m not up to eat with you and John, as far as that’s concerned. I never want any extra trouble taken for me.” “There’s the wagon! There’s the wagon!” shouted Dimmie impatiently as he ran in from the hall. “Let me get your sailor hat,” said Lucy as she turned away, a note of impatience in her voice. “What made you decide all of a sudden to send him to kindergarten?” asked Nannie. “It’s the first time I’ve heard of such a plan.” “Hurry up,” commanded Dimmie. “They’ll go past.” “They won’t go without you,” smiled Lucy. “Here’s your hat. Let me put it on for you.” “Why are you sending him?” persisted Nannie. “Why, he’s old enough to go, and he’s a good deal of bother, and John and I thought it would be good for him.” “Come on, Mamma,” urged Dimmie, pulling at her skirt. “Bother! I suppose it’s because I try to correct him a little occasionally. Oh, I comprehend perfectly, Lucy! You never let a chance slip to humiliate me and----” The bell rang, and through the open front door a man’s voice was heard. Lucy went into the hall. “Is your little boy going with us this morning?” the man inquired. “Yes, we’re ready,” replied Lucy. “Come on, Son.” Nannie heard them as they descended the steps. Dimmie’s shrill chatter was wafted back with the click of the gate, the crack of a whip, and the clatter of the horse’s hoofs as the carry-all passed up the street. * * * * * John was much occupied with new work and, to Lucy’s relief, continued to neglect to carry into effect his threat regarding a servant. However, try as she might to keep down the level of her expenditures, on the first day of the next month she found herself faced with an unexpected deficit. The evening meal was over and Nannie, according to her habit, had gone into the living room to play some of her songs. John rose and was about to follow her when Lucy called him back. He sat down again. “I want you to go over some accounts with me, John.” “What for?” he demurred. “Well, we’re running behind, John, and we must do something about it.” “We’ve always had to figure closely, Lucy.” John’s manner was nervous and instead of looking at his wife, he glanced about the room. “We’re not rich people but I don’t see why it should be any worse now than any other time.” “Our expenses have about doubled since Mamma came,” persisted Lucy. “Oh, I don’t think she’s had anything to do with it, or, at least, very little. One more person makes practically no difference.” John made a motion as if to rise. “Just a minute, John. It isn’t the household expenses so much, John, but we are spending money on flowers and fruit and candy and theatres and other amusements that we didn’t use to. Miss Powell and other people have taken to dropping in to tea in the afternoon. And it all counts up.”