"You should accept the standing offer of the Hooper heirs," said
Force. "They are disposed to be fair and square, Bingle. Three
thousand a year isn't to be sneezed at."
"The Hooper heirs are sneezing at it, so why shouldn't I?" said Mr.
Bingle cheerily.
"I suppose you'll read that ridiculous Christmas Carol on Christmas
Eve," said Force sarcastically.
"Certainly," said Mr. Bingle. "That reminds me; I wish you'd let
Kathleen come down to see us on Christmas Eve. I think she'd enjoy the
reading."
"I'll do it, Bingle," said Force after a moment. "Since she has been
allowed to go down to see you and those kids of yours, her whole view
of life has changed. You were right, old fellow. I believe she likes
me better as time goes on. At any rate, she is quite gay and happy,
and she doesn't look at me with scared eyes any longer. She kissed me
as if she really meant it the other day when I told her she could have
Freddy up to tea. I'd like to suggest, however, that you see to it
that the flat is thoroughly aired and all the germs blown out before
she comes down again to--"
"You needn't worry, Mr.
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