Part 12 (2/2)
”Why, my dear,” protested her father, ”where did you get any money?”
”I have turned lady burglar.”
”What?”
”Cheer up. It's b.u.t.ter-'n'-eggs money.”
”b.u.t.ter-'n'-eggs money?” repeated Jarvis.
”Certainly. The downtrodden farmer's wife always gives up her b.u.t.ter-'n'-eggs money to save the family fortunes, or build a new barn.”
”What are you talking about?” interrupted the Professor.
”I don't know why the fact that I have a little money saved up should start a riot in this family. I have to go to New York on business, and as Jarvis has to go to see managers about 'Success,' I merely proposed that we go together.”
”What business have you in New York, my dear?”
”My own, Professor darling.”
”Excuse me,” he hastened to add.
”Certainly,” she replied, blithely.
”I hate New York,” said Jarvis. ”How long do you suppose we will have to stay?”
”I adore New York, and we will stay as long as the money holds out.”
”Would you mind stating, in round figures, how much you have?” the Professor remarked.
”I would. I detest figures, round or oblong. I have enough.”
”I hope you won't get there, and then call on me for a supply, as you usually do, my dear. I am a little short this spring.”
”You two have no confidence in me. If you will just put your trust in Bambi, I'll mend the fortunes of this family so you will never be able to find the patch.”
The two men laughed in spite of themselves, and the matter was dropped, but Bambi herself took the ma.n.u.script of ”Success” to the stenographer, with strict orders as to a time limit; she led Jarvis, protesting, to a tailor's, to order a suit of clothes; she restocked him in collars, s.h.i.+rts, and ties. In fact, she handled the situation like a diplomat, buying the railroad tickets with a thrill of antic.i.p.ation.
Jarvis made no protest at all, until the night before they were to start. He came to her and offered her a little black notebook.
”What is this?”
”I want you to put down every cent we spend. This is a loan, you understand.”
”It's a gift from the G.o.ds. Go offer libations. I don't want your old debit and credit book.”
He laid his hand on her shoulder, and looked into her s.h.i.+ning eyes.
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