The Scotts had a nice kitchen. Warm and clean. Nellie was basting the roast as he entered.
"Hello, Nellie."
"Good evening, Mr. Scott."
"What are we going to have for dinner, Nellie?" Mr. Scott's voice was loud and jovial. It made Nellie smile.
"'At a girl, smile," he commanded. "It don't cost a nickel and it makes everybody feel better." Mr. Scott's loud voice had grown louder as though he wanted it to be heard in the living-room. "Smile. People who don't smile once in a while make me sick."
Nellie burst out laughing at his words. Mr. Scott always amused her. "Never did work in a house where there was such a funny man," she thought as she watched Hubert gulp the water. "Lord, you'd think Mrs. Scott would be laughing fit to die all the time."
Mr. Scott set the glass down on the sparkling white drain-board and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "What did you say there was for dinner, Nellie?"
"Roas' beef, Mr. Scott."
"It might be roast beef today but it'll be hash tomorrow."
Nellie found this too amusing to bear with dignity. She leaned weakly against the wall and howled with delight.
Hubert left the kitchen. He would have to go upstairs and tidy himself before dinner. As he passed through the foyer he looked again at his family. They were still sitting as he had seen them last.
"Don't make so much noise," he called to them as
