Page:Biggers and Ritchie - Inside the Lines.djvu/150

 call it a rag-owt, we'll eat you out of house and home," Sherman shouted as addendum to the others' thanks.

"And you, my dear"—Lady Crandall beamed upon Jane-"you're coming right home with me to wait for the Saxonia's sailing. Oh, no, don't be too ready with your thanks. This is pure selfishness on my part. I want you to help plan my fall clothes. There, the secrets out. But with all those beautiful gowns, surely Hildebrand will not object if you leave the pattern of one of them in an out-of-the-way little place like this. Come on, now, I'll not take no for an answer. We'll pack up all these beauties and have you off in no time."

Jane's thanks were ignored by the capable packer who smoothed and straightened the confections of silk and satin in the osier hampers Lady Crandall summoned the porter to lift the precious freight to the back of her dog-cart, waiting outside. Almer, perturbed at the kidnaping of his guest, came from behind the desk

"You will go to your room now?" he queried anxiously.

"Not going to take it," Jane answered.