I'd never have believed it, but it's happened.
Mary Jane is--a man." Billy heard a dismayed gasp and a muttered "Oh, my grief and conscience!" then a shaking "Wha-at ?" "I say, Mary Jane is a man." Billy was enjoying herself hugely.
"A _ma-an!_" "Yes; a great big man with a brown beard.

He's waiting now with John and I must go." "But, Billy, I don't understand," chattered an agitated voice over the line.

"He--he called himself 'Mary Jane.' He hasn't any business to be a big man with a brown beard! What shall we do?
We don't want a big man with a brown beard--here!" Billy laughed roguishly.
"I don't know.

_You_ asked him! How he will like that little blue room--Aunt Hannah!" Billy's voice turned suddenly tragic.

"For pity's sake take out those curling tongs and hairpins, and the work-basket.
I'd _never_ hear the last of it if he saw those, I know.