ma'am." "And who may Mr. Smith be?" "Most popular
citizen of Rincon, ma'am. We had to accept his twins because--well,
he come down here himself, and most of Rincon come with him, and as we
aimed to have everything pass off pleasant-like--" "I quite comprehend,"
said Mrs. Brewton. "And I should consider twins within the rule; or any
number born at one time. But little Aqua Marine is the finest single
child in that six months class. I told her mother she ought to take that
splurgy ring off the poor little thing's thumb. It's most unsafe. But
I should vote for that child myself." "Thank you for your valuable
endorsement," said a spruce, slim young man. "But the public is not
allowed to vote here," he added. He was standing on the floor and
resting his elbows on the table. Mrs. Brewton stared down at him. "Are
you the father of the child?" she inquired. "Oh no! I am the agent. I--"
"Aqua Marine's agent?" said Mrs. Brewton, sharply. "Ha, ha!" went the
young man. "Ha, ha! Well, that's good too. She's part of our exhibit.
I'm in charge of the manna-feds, don't you know?" "I don't know," said
Mrs. Brewton. "Why, Mrs. Eden's Manna in the Wilderness! Nourishes,
strengthens, and makes no unhealthy fat. Take a circular, and welcome.
I'm travelling for the manna. I organized this show. I've conducted
twenty-eight similar shows in two years. We hold them in every State
and Territory. Second of last March I gave Denver--you heard of it,
probably?" "I did not," said Mrs. Brewton. "Well! Ha, ha! I thought
every person up to date had heard of Denver's Olympic Offspring Olio."
"Is it up to date to loll your elbows on the table when you're speaking
to a lady?" inquired Mrs. Brewton. He jumped, and then grew scarlet
with rage. "I didn't expect to learn manners in New Mexico," said he.
"I doubt if you will," said Mrs. Brewton, and turned her back on him. He
was white now; but better instincts, or else business, prevailed in his
injured bosom. "Well," said he, "I had no bad intentions. I was going
to say you'd have seen ten thousand people and five hundred babies at
Denver. And our manna-feds won out to beat the band. Three first medals,
and all exclusively manna-fed. We took the costume prize also. Of course
here in Sharon I've simplified. No special medal for weight, beauty,
costume, or decorated perambulator. Well, I must go back to our exhibit.
Glad to have you give us a call up there and see the medals we're
offering, and our fifteen mann