Mr. Chase pondered. "Let her know, casual like, that I sha'n't be 'ome
till late on Saturday," he said, slowly. "Then you come 'ome in the
afternoon and take her out. As soon as you're gone I'll pop in and have
a thorough good hunt round. Is she fond of animals?"

"I b'lieve so," said the other, staring. "Why?"

"Take 'er to the Zoo," said Mr. Chase, impressively. "Take two-penn'orth
o' nuts with you for the monkeys, and some stale buns for--for--for
animals as likes 'em. Give 'er a ride on the elephant and a ride on the
camel."

"Anything else?" inquired Mr. Teak disagreeably. "Any more ways you can
think of for me to spend my money?"

"You do as I tell you," said his friend. "I've got an idea now where it
is. If I'm able to show you where to put your finger on three 'undred
pounds when you come 'ome it'll be the cheapest outing you have ever 'ad.
Won't it?"

Mr. Teak made no reply, but, after spending the evening in deliberation,
issued the invitation at the supper-table. His wife's eyes sparkled at
first; then the light slowly faded from them and her face fell.

"I can't go," she said, at last. "I've got nothing to go in."

"Rubbish!" said her husband, starting uneasily.

"It's a fact," said Mrs. Teak. "I should like to go, too--it's years