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 P'raps.

O, now tell it!

I don't know as 'twould interest you. Mrs. Bierbauer's manner was at variance with the sense of her announcement.

Go'way! Go'way! Mrs. Fox was driving off a strange dog who appeared to be about to dig up the geraniums set in a thin, scraggly row around the base-boards of the house. I wish she'd keep her dog to hum, she commented, as she again settled herself in her rocker.

Now, Mrs. Bierbauer, she pleaded, turning back to her neighbour, I know you got somethin' on your mind, an' you gotta tell me.

Mrs. Bierbauer appeared to be on the point of yielding. It was apparent, indeed, that in holding back her information she was tantalizing herself quite as much as she was her friend.

Eddie, she announced ominously, got back from Chicago last night.

I know, Mrs. Fox assented eagerly, I know. Go on! Go on!

An' he went away agin this mornin'.

He allus does that. Mrs. Fox was disgusted.

Yes, he got back last night. He was to Chicago. Mrs. Bierbauer appeared to be in no haste to divulge her secret.

Well?

If you'll stop interruptin' me, Mrs. Fox, Mrs.