"Why, Marjorie's going back to her school, Sir," says Dudley, "and I to college." "Before the holidays are over?" says Mr. Ellins. "Oh, we don't mind," says Marjorie. "We don't want to go home and open up the house; for we should miss Mother so much." "Suppose you finish out your vacation with us, then?" suggests Old Hickory. "Oh, thank you, Sir," says Dudley; "but we----" "Mother wrote us, you see," breaks in Marjorie, "that we mustn't think of bothering you another bit." "Who says you're a bother?" he demands. "At this time of year I like to have young folks around--if they're the right kind." "But I'm not sure we are the right kind," says Marjorie. "I--I'm not very serious, you know; and Dud's apt to be noisy. He thinks he can sing." At which Dudley gets fussed and Old Hickory chuckles. "I'll take a chance," says Mr. Ellins. "If I'm to be your guardian, I ought to know you better. So you two trot right up to the house and prepare to stay the week out. Here, Torchy! 'Phone for the limousine. No, not a word, young woman! I haven't time to discuss it. Clear out, both of you! See you at dinner." "There!" says Marjorie as a partin' shot. "I just knew you were an old dear!" "Stuff!" protests Mr. Ellins. "'Old bear,' is more like it." And me, I picks up a new cue. I escorts 'em out to the gen'ral office with all the honors. "I'll have that car down in a jiffy, Miss," says I. "Oh, thank you," says Marjorie. "And if you think of anything we ought to ditch in the meantime--" "Ah, what's the use rubbin' it in on me," says I, "after the way you put it over Mr. Ellins? I don't count. Besides, anybody that fields their position like you do has got me wearin' their button for keeps." "Really?" says she. "I shall remember that, you know; and there's no telling what dreadful thing I may do before I go. Is there, Dud?" "Oh, quit it, Peggy!" says he. "Behave, can't you?" "Certainly, Brother dear," says she, runnin' her tongue out at him. Ever see anyone who could make a cute play of that? Well, Marjorie could, believe me! Funny, though, the sudden hit them two seemed to make with Old Hickory. Honest, the few days they was around the house his disposition clears up like coffee does when you stir in the egg. I heard him talkin' to Mr. Robert about 'em, how well brought up and mannerly they was. He even unloads some of it on me, by way of suggestin' 'em as models. You'd most think he'd trained 'em himself. Bein' chased up to the house on so many errands, I had a chance to get the benefit of some of this improvin' influence. And it was kind of good, I admit, to watch how prompt Dudley hops up every time any older party comes into the room; and how sweet Marjorie is to everybody, even the butler. They was just as nice to each other too,--Brother helpin' Sister on with her wraps, and gettin' down on his knees to put on her rubbers; while Marjorie never forgets to thank him proper, and pat him chummy on the cheek.