"Cease your lamentations," said Theodore, with a wave of his hand. "I see in this the nucleus of a great business enterprise, that shall live, flourish and spread,--and shall be known in the future as the 'Lee Pickle Works.' I shall be president, father can be buyer, and Miss Billy and Bea can do the pickling." "Well," went on the minister, "I'm glad now I didn't buy the melons,--but it was certainly a temptation, they were such fine ones. The next thing I seemed to fancy was a buggy robe,--just five dollars,--so warm, and handsome, too, in the brown and gold colours your mother likes. But I happened to remember we didn't have a buggy, so I gave that up." "This seems to be all about the things father didn't buy," said Theodore astutely. "He's giving us mild shocks, so we can bear the climax of what he did buy." "I assure you I ran the gamut of temptations," said the minister. "At two o'clock I had about decided on a bull terrier pup. At three I was discussing the merits of a newfangled washing machine. But I finally ended it all by wandering into a fashionable photograph gallery and sitting for a picture, in the latest style. It will not be finished till next week, though." There was great clapping of hands as this recital was finished. "Motherie next," called Miss Billy. "I have no story to relate," protested Mrs. Lee. "Knowing exactly what I wanted, I went straight and bought it. Five dollars' worth of pots, kettles and pans. I haven't had any new kitchen utensils since our tenth wedding anniversary, and Maggie and I were at our wits' end with leaky vessels." "You broke the contract!" said Theodore, pointing an accusing finger. "Kitchen utensils cannot be classed as a personal whim." "Indeed they can! You will think so when you see them!" returned his mother laughingly. "They are of every shape, size and description. At first I thought of buying you all pretty silver pins, and having the date inscribed as a memento of a day of experiences. But thinking you might not consider that fair, I took the pans." "Last but not least," announced Theodore oratorically, "Beatrice will tell us the experiences that befell a beautiful damsel in search of a personal whim." Beatrice coloured slightly, but did not raise her eyes from her hemstitching. "There is very little to tell, and it is very foolish. I've fancied a pair of satin slippers in Frothingham's show window for a long time. Such gay little things, with the dearest heels,--so I went and bought them." "Oh," said Miss Billy disappointedly, "is that all? Didn't you meet with any experiences quite unlike other days,--see new people, and get other views? Didn't anything new come into your life?" Beatrice bent her head lower over her work. "No," she answered, "nothing new." CHAPTER XX FAIR SKIES "Cæsar himself could never say He got two victories in one day."