Page:Glitter (1926).pdf/320

 He was ushered to an automobile of incredible antiquity. "This is Lulu," said Peg. "We think she'll take us back to the beach, but we wouldn't want to put it in writing."

"How far is the beach?"

Bout five miles."

Throughout the ride, Peg and Johnny reasoned gravely and often with the car, as with a refractory child. "Come on, now, Lulu. You can make this all right. Let's see you go up sailing." . . . And then, disappointedly, "Aw, Lu! Have a heart!" . ..

They sat three in the front seat, and in the intervals of Lulu's chastisement yelled conversation above the ructions of her mechanism.

"Everybody's in swimming," Peg announced. "Or at least, they were when we left, and I imagine they still will be. That's all we do. Swim, and dance, and swim, and eat, and swim. We practically live in our bathing suits."

"Who's on the party?" Jock wanted to know. "How many? Just the regular bunch?"

"Ten," said Peg, and listed them.

"Bill Burnholme not among those present?"

Peg looked blank. "Of course not. Why should he be? I've never even met the man—though of course I know all about him."

At this point Johnny shouted to Jock across Peg's lap, "Talk to Dad?"

"Yup!"

"Suppose he told you about your new job?"

"You bet he did! I don't feel very swell about it! Guess I've got you to thank for that, Johnny."

"Like crazy you have! You've got nobody to thank but yourself"

Peg planted a firm palm on her husband's chest and