Mrs Jones Dictates Terms

: Doctor Jones' Picnic

Several months have passed since the meeting recorded in our last

chapter. The enthusiasm of the three men (for Marsh was now a member of

the company) increased as the days went by. A considerable amount of

canvassing had been done among the moneyed men of the community, but

with no success. No one could be found who was willing to risk any

considerable amount of wealth in an enterprise whose outcome was so

problematic
l. Fame is all well enough, but there is very little

sentiment about capital.



After many consultations by the three, it was agreed that nothing

further could be done at home, and the next move would be a trip to

Washington. The idea of building a model was abandoned, as the beautiful

drawings and paintings of the architect completely obviated its

necessity.



The Doctor had said but little to Mrs. Jones upon the subject that lay

nearest his heart since the time recorded in our last chapter. Though he

went about his professional duties as usual, yet that astute little lady

thoroughly understood that he was far from laying aside this great

ambition of his life. And she also realized that a crisis was

approaching when quick, sharp work must be done, and she had determined

what she should do.



The Doctor, meantime, furtively watched day by day the lovely face of

his wife. But he might as well have spent the same time studying the

face of the Sphynx. He could not decide whether she was acting a part

most beautifully, or had dropped the matter as settled. It cost her a

great struggle to keep from smiling as she looked into his troubled

eyes, and at times would be obliged to put her handkerchief to her mouth

to keep back the smiles that dimpled about its corners. She knew that

the crisis was at hand, and so persevered in her part; and, better than

all, she knew that she should come off victor.



All things were ripe for the assault upon the Government board of

science.



"Meet at my house to-night, gentlemen," said the Doctor. "My

arrangements are all made, and I could start to-morrow morning if my

wife would consent. I feel more concerned about getting her acquiescence

than I do about getting the Government interested. I really fear that

she is like Sambo's mule: 'When he so quiet an' still like, yo' look

out! He templatin' trouble den, shuah!' There's something up, and I must

have it out with her to-night; and I want you to stand in and say all

you can to help me out. We must convince her that there is not nearly so

much danger in our globe as there is aboard a train of cars or a

steamship."



So that evening in the dining-room, and upon the same table, Marsh

spread the drawings and specifications that represented the smallest

detail connected with the construction of the globe. Mrs. Jones entered

into the conversation, made suggestions as to the furnishing of food,

bedding, furniture, etc., until the three men winked and grinned slyly

at one another, delighted to see the interest she displayed.



"Now, Maggie, I am sure that you cannot see any element of danger in

this trip," said the Doctor, fixing his eyes upon her very anxiously. To

his surprise and delight she unhesitatingly said:



"No, I do not see why it should be at all dangerous."



"That's my brave little wife!" shouted Dr. Jones, catching her in his

arms and kissing her upon both cheeks. "What an old lunkhead I have been

all this time! Why, Maggie, do you know that I have been terribly

worried lest you should prove foolish and obstinate and would do all you

could to prevent my going?"



"I knew it all the time," she replied.



"Just listen to the demure little sinner! Knew that I was worrying all

this time and never let me see that she understood me at all! What a

little hypocrite you are! But I forgive you, since you are so

reasonable."



"But my dear hubby, do not jump at conclusions. There is a condition

connected with my consent."



"And it is granted now, my dear. What is it?"



"Oh, it is a real easy one!"



"I am sure of that, dear Maggie, for you are the most reasonable woman

alive. Isn't she, gentlemen?"



Of course the conspirators loudly assented.



"That is very nice of you, gentlemen," said she, bowing gracefully to

them, "but I know about how much allowance to make for 'soft soap' in

this case."



"But what is the condition, Maggie?" asked Dr. Jones.



"I go with you."



"To Washington? Certainly you shall, honey."



"I go with you in the globe, to the North Pole, or any other place the

wind may blow us."



"You--what!"



"I have said it."



The Doctor dropped into a chair with a groan. "I knew it! I knew she

meant mischief all the time."



"But my dear woman," cried he, jumping from his chair again, "don't you

see the utter impossibility of your going on so hard and perilous a

voyage? You could never endure it in the world."



"Hardships and perils, indeed!" said she mischievously. "Haven't you

said over and over in my presence that this was simply a beautiful

picnic trip and perfectly safe?"



"Well--er--er," stammered the Doctor, "but, Maggie, it would be no place

for a woman, you know."



"I beg your pardon, sir, but I do not know anything of the kind. Do you

suppose that I have sat here all these months listening to you men talk

of this scheme without becoming a convert to your theories? No, Doctor,

I am as enthusiastic as any of you in this matter. The North Pole fever

is like the measles, very contagious, and I have a severe attack of it.

Now you have all agreed that I am the most reasonable woman living, and

you cannot accuse me of being unreasonable simply because I wish to go

with you on this safe, comfortable and perfectly beautiful picnic

excursion."



This turn of affairs was so complete a surprise to the three men that

they sat silent with consternation for a few moments.



"Come to think of it, gentlemen, I am pleased for one that Mrs. Jones

wishes to accompany us. Why should she not?" said Marsh.



Mrs. Jones beamed upon him so warmly that he blushed to his ears.



"One vote for me," she gayly exclaimed. "Now, Mr. Denison, on the score

of old friendship, I claim your franchise."



"And you have it, my dear madam," cried Denison. "Yours for the North

Pole, Mrs. Jones."



She gave a hand to each of her coadjutors, and turning to Dr. Jones,

said: "Don't you see what a splendid lobbyist I am, Doctor? You will

need me when you get to Washington."



The Doctor's face was a study. At length he said: "Woman is the most

unaccountable creature in the universe. I expected to-night to have made

the plea of my life, and I declare for it, if she hasn't turned the

tables completely upon me, and actually stands there imploring to go

with us, instead of going into hysterics and making no end of

opposition. Well, honey," putting his arm about her waist, "I took you

for better or worse, but I did not expect to take you to the North Pole.

I yield to the inevitable, gentlemen. Allow me to introduce you to No.

4, North Pole Aluminum Globe Co."



More

;