"
"No wonder you look warm, you poor little soul," said Jim. "You oughtn't
to choose a scorcher like this for bottling. Anyhow, the races aren't
to-day, but New Year's day--Cunjee Picnic meeting. We're all going, so
you and Bob have got to come. Orders from Norah."
"Oh, New Year's day. I'd love to come," Tommy said. "I've never seen
races."
"Never seen races!" ejaculated young Australia in sheer amazement.
"Where were you dragged up?" They laughed at each other.
"Aunt Margaret wasn't what you'd call a racing woman," Tommy said. "I
don't fancy Bob has seen any, either. Bill and Sarah, to say nothing of
the baby, are going. I offered to mind the baby, but Sarah didn't seem
to think the picnic would be complete without her."
"People have queer tastes," Jim said. "I wouldn't choose a long day
at races as the ideal thing for a baby; but Sarah seems to think
differently. Wonder what Bill thinks? Still, I'm glad she didn't take
you at your word, because we'd have had to dispose of the baby somewhere
if she had. I suppose we could put it under the seat of the car!"
"Oh, do you?" Tommy regarded him with a glint in her eye. "No; we'd have
made you nurse her--she isn't 'it.' She's the nicest baby ever, and I
won't have her insulted."
"Bless you, I wouldn't insult the baby for worlds," grinned Jim. "I'll
look forward to meeting her at the races--especially as you won't be
minding her.
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