Page:Chetyates00yateiala.pdf/210

 sheets on the counter; then he looked at me and wabbled back against the shelving. "Chet," he said, putting up his hands as if to ward off something, "Chet, she says she's coming back! Is there a place under any of these counters where I can duck in a hurry?" Then he pointed at the counter;—"Is that why you said not to get out the packages?"

"Yep," I said.

He nodded his head. "Chester," he said, "it is a very wise rule; but the lady had a very compelling way with her, did you happen to notice that? It would almost seem as if she got the better of me, wouldn't it?"

"It pretty near would," I said.

"I want to tell you, though, Chester, that I am very happy;—I don't know when I have been happier,—I was happy all the time she was here."

"You managed to hide it fairly well," I said.

"Deceitful appearances, my dear Chester. My joy and self-gratulation in that I don't have to go to school to her, nearly overwhelmed me."

"You looked overwhelmed all right enough," I said.

"Yes," he said, "I should dislike to go to school