--Susan, I
will entertain Mr. Minturn while you change your dress."
She glanced at her guest dubiously, receiving for the moment the
impression that the course indicated by her mother was the correct
one. The resolute admirer knew well what a fiasco the day would be
should the conventionalities prevail, and so said promptly: "Mrs.
Banning, I appreciate your kind intentions, and I hope some day
you may have the chance to carry them out. To-day, as your husband
understands, I am a tramp from the city looking for work. I have
found it, and have been engaged.--Miss Banning, I shall hold you
inflexibly to our agreement--a pair of overalls and dinner."
Sue said a few words of explanation. Her mother laughed, but
urged, "Do go and change your dress."
"I protest!" cried Mr. Minturn. "The walking-suit and overalls go
together."
"Walking-suit, indeed!" repeated Sue, disdainfully. "But I shall
not change it. I will not soften one feature of the scrape you
have persisted in getting yourself into."
"Please don't."
"Mr. Minturn," said the matron, with smiling positiveness, "Susie
is boss only out of doors; I am, in the house.
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