"I'M in here, Ruby," said Chester to his little sister, when he heard
her call his name. "Well, what now? You look like a little old woman."
"Pomp and I are going to take a walk."
"If you were only dressed in old clothes, and Pomp was poor instead of
sleek and fat, you would do for a Mother Hubbard. I guess if your
cupboard was almost bare, however, you'd share your last crust with
Pomp; wouldn't you, sis?"
"Of course, Chester, when Pomp saved my life when I was a baby."
"Why, Ruby, you seem only a big baby to me now. Or else you are the real
Mother Hubbard come to life again in a new style. Which is it--which
shall I call you, my big baby or my little Mother Hubbard?"
"Mother Hubbard, for I ain't a baby."
"Mother Hubbard it shall be then. Remember this, Ruby, when I'm miles
away. I hear the stage now. So give me a kiss before I go."
Ruby gave her brother many kisses, and then stood and waved her
handkerchief till he was out of sight. And then she sat down and cried a
little and talked a good deal to her old friend Pomp.
[Illustration]