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“, James,” said Mrs. Allen, with a yawn, “I’ve half a mind to go with you.”

“I wish you could, my dear,” said her husband, after a puff or two at his cigar. “But what could we do with Fred?”

“That’s the trouble. You know you promised you would take me the next time you went, for I have never been. Couldn’t we put him in an asylum?”

“I don’t think we could,” said Mr. Allen decidedly. “I should never feel it was right to leave him in one, and go off to enjoy ourselves.”

“I don’t see why not,” pouted his wife. “He would have every care, and the best of teaching. It’s awfully inconvenient having him here, and”—

“Hush!” said Mr. Allen sharply. “The doors are all open, and he may not be asleep.