Martin almost died of it, and Howard was weak from suppressed laughter.

It was the first time that Irene had shown the boys what she could do, and she was delighted at their enthusiastic applause.

She would have rendered another of the same sort gladly enough,--she knew dozens of them, if Tootles had not given her a quick look and risen to her feet.
"Us for the downey," she said, and put the palm of her hand on Martin's lips.

He kissed it.
"Not yet," said Howard.

"It's early." "Late enough for those who get up at dawn, old dear.