“Umbrellas!” cried Bilbo. “Where are they all?”
“How can they be gone?” asked Frodo. “I bought you two more just last month, after you told me how Lobelia came by hers.”
“I know. And we had at least four before that.”
The two stood, looking at the empty umbrella stand.
“I know!” Bilbo exclaimed. “Abelard! You know how he is about borrowing umbrellas. He’s been here at least a half dozen times this last month about those invitations you’ve been writing for him.”
Frodo sighed. “Perhaps,” he suggested, “you should just give him the stand as well?”
Bilbo smiled slyly.