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336 “I suppose one gets used to this strain in time,” he said, taking her arm to help her through the crowd.

No sooner had the train come to a stop than they saw Ardelia’s huge frame descend from the car, holding a dress suitcase in each hand. After her came the Professor, looking very small and shrunken. Ardelia saw them afar, and waved the heavy suitcase in the air like a banner as she hurried toward them.

“Howdy, Miss Bambi? Howdy, Mistah Jarvis? Heah we is.”

“Bless your old hearts!” said Bambi, hugging them both.

“How are you, children?” the Professor inquired.

“We’re fine! Did you have a comfortable time on the trip? Why did you sit in the day coach, father?”

“De Perfessor, he won’t set in de’ chaih cah, cause’n dey won’t let me in dere, an’ he’s ‘fraid he fergit to git off less'n he was ‘longside ob me.”

“But the train stops here—it doesn’t go any farther. My! Ardelia, you do look stylish!”

“Yas’m. Wait until yo’ see my noo black silk. I'se got me a tight skirt, an’ a Dutch neck—Lawzee, honey, but dis ole niggah’s gittin’ mighty frisky.”