"No, I do not see why it should be at all dangerous."
"That's my brave little wife!" shouted Dr. Jones, catching her in his arms and kissing her upon both cheeks. "What an old lunkhead I have been all this time! Why, Maggie, do you know that I have been terribly worried lest you should prove foolish and obstinate and would do all you could to prevent my going?"
"Just listen to the demure little sinner! Knew that I was worrying all this time and never let me see that she understood me at all! What a little hypocrite you are! But I forgive you, since you are so reasonable."
"But my dear hubby, do not jump at conclusions. There is a condition connected with my consent."
"And it is granted now, my dear. What is it?"
"I am sure of that, dear Maggie, for you are the most reasonable woman alive. Isn't she, gentlemen?"
Of course the conspirators loudly assented.
"That is very nice of you, gentlemen," said she, bowing gracefully to them, "but I know about how much allowance to make for 'soft soap' in this case."
"But what is the condition, Maggie?" asked Dr. Jones.
"To Washington? Certainly you shall, honey."
"I go with you in the globe, to the North Pole, or any other place the wind may blow us."
The Doctor dropped into a chair with a groan. "I knew it! I knew she meant mischief all the time."
"But my dear woman," cried he, jumping from his chair again, "don't you see the utter impossibility of your going on so hard and perilous a voyage? You could never endure it in the world."
"Hardships and perils, indeed!" said she mischievously. "Haven't you said over and over in my presence that this was simply a beautiful picnic trip and perfectly safe?"
"Well--er--er," stammered the Doctor, "but, Maggie, it would be no place for a woman, you know."
"I beg your pardon, sir, but I do not know anything of the kind. Do you suppose that I have sat here all these months listening to you men talk of this scheme without becoming a convert to your theories? No, Doctor, I am as enthusiastic as any of you in this matter. The North Pole fever is like the measles, very contagious, and I have a severe attack of it. Now you have all agreed that I am the most reasonable woman living, and you cannot accuse me of being unreasonable simply because I wish to go with you on this safe, comfortable and perfectly beautiful picnic excursion."