“Yes?”
“If you ever need anybody—”
“Yes?”
“I mean in case you should ever lose your job—”
“Yes?”
“Don’t hesitate to come to me for help.”
He had spoken in a more earnest tone than was his custom. Erna looked quantities of gratitude. “Do you mean—”
“Yes,” he forestalled her. “I’m a man, Erna, or a part o’ one. I know you’re a good sport, I’ve seen so much evidence of it. In fact, you’re as good and probably a better sport than I am”—all this with a return to banter—“so it’s up to me, if you ever need assistance.”
Erna was unable to reply.
“Will you?” he requested more quietly.