Page:Traveler from Altruria, Howells, 1894.djvu/254

248 believe they're going to speculate on them; and if Reuben Camp serves me a trick like that—Why!" she broke off, "I believe I'll speculate on them myself! I should like to know why I shouldn't! Oh, I should just like to make some of those creatures pay double, or treble, for the chances they've refused. Ah, Mrs. Bulkham," she called out to a lady who was coming down the veranda toward us, "you'll be glad to know I've got rid of all my tickets! Such a relief!"

"You have?" Mrs. Bulkham retorted.

"Every one."

"I thought," said Mrs. Bulkham, "that you understood I wanted one for my daughter and myself, if she came."

"I certainly didn't," said Mrs. Makely, with a wink of concentrated wickedness at me. "But if you do, you will have to say so now, without any ifs or ands about it; and if any of the tickets come back—I let friends have a few on sale—I will give you two."

"Well, I do," said Mrs. Bulkham, after a moment.

"Very well, it will be five dollars for the two. I feel bound to get all I can for the cause. Shall I put your name down?"