Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967)

“Oh we were down and Reich + Ruggy’s” Joe reponded carelessly.
“Yes, we got to talking with some fellows” I added. It had the desired effect on Mother for she never suspected out criminal duplicity!
Joe has been intending to make a little house to put in the window seat and had bought a dog and a miniature Christmas tree. Just before dinner – I think it was just before dinner or it might have been just after – we assembled in Joe’s room. – for what reason no one knows, and Joe was in the act of going over his purchases to see if he’d forgotten anything. I was leaning against the door reading a magazine, indifferent to what was going on.
“Well, let’s see” Joe remarked “I’ve got the tree – “
In alarm, Frances nudged Joe furiously and Louise glared at him in despair.
“What are you nudging him for?” asked Mama of Frances
“I wanted him to see how funny Charlie was looking, while he read” improvised Frances hopefully.
I glanced up, ready to dispute such a slight, but something in Frances’ face told me to be quiet.
“What did I look like anyway” I asked carelessly.
“Oh I can’t describe it” Frances cried laughingly, “but it was funny.