"Yes, that's better," agreed Zoie.
As for Jimmy, he had long ceased to make any audible comment, but
internally he was saying to himself: "man of strong mettle, indeed!"
"We'll attend to all the clothes for the child," said Aggie generously
to Jimmy.
"I want everything to be hand-made," exclaimed Zoie enthusiastically.
"We can make a great many of the things ourselves, evenings," said
Aggie, "while we sit here and talk to Jimmy."
"I thought we were going OUT evenings!" objected Zoie.
Jimmy rolled his eyes toward her like a dumb beast of burden.
"MOST evenings," assented Aggie. "And then toward the last, you know,
Zoie----" she hesitated to explain further, for Jimmy was already
becoming visibly embarrassed.
"Oh, yes, that's true," blushed Zoie.
There was an awkward pause, then Aggie turned again toward Jimmy, who
was pretending to rebuild the fire. "Oh yes, one more thing," she said.
"When everything is quite ready for Alfred's return, we'll allow you,
Jimmy dear, to wire him the good news."
"Thanks, so much," said Jimmy.
"I wish it were time to wire now," said Zoie pensively, and in his mind,
Jimmy fervently agreed with that sentiment.
"The next few months will slip by before you know it," declared Aggie
cheerfully. "And by the way, Zoie," she added, "why should you go back
to your lonesome flat to-night?"
Zoie began to feel for her pocket handkerchief--Jimmy sat up to receive
the next blow. "Stay here with us," suggested Aggie. "We'll be so glad
to have you." She included Jimmy in her glance. "Won't we, dear?" she
asked.
When the two girls went upstairs arm in arm that night, Jimmy remained
in his chair by the fire, too exhausted to even prepare for bed. "A man
of mettle!" he said again to himself.
This had certainly been the longest day of his life.