Ethel Watts Mumford

“ That's the way he treats me, the scamp! A sort of uncle-of-all-work, not to mention that this will save him about seven dollars—not that he thinks of that. I wish he had a little more economy in his make-up. Oh, well—and Marjie, the little fox! I'm glad I'm a bachelor. Children are too much of a responsibility.
For two weeks I didn't see Jack, and I began to feel most unreasonably lonesome, so I trumped up a lame excuse, and had myself elevated to his office. ”

“ It was funny, but I was too busy thinking of a way out to really enjoy it. Finally I hit on an expedient.
“'There is only one way to get you to Europe now,' I told Marjie. 'I shall have to ask your father to send you.'
“'Oh, but you can't tell him; he'd be furious,' said she.
“'Of course,' I said, 'but I'll put it this way: I feel that it isn't fair to you to let you decide. You are too young. I must insist that you go away for a year; satisfy yourself that you really care for me; you might change your mind, and it's only right to let you have the opportunity. ”

“ He blushed an unbecoming lavender shade that clashed with his red tie.
“Uncle Ned,” said he, “if ever you hope to 'go where the good darkies go,' you come with me now. I'll blow you to lunch, and I'll tell you all about it. I've been proposed to.” ”