“Yes,” she agreed, and was silent.

Presently, he came back to the whimsical. “We’re a funeral party, aren’t we?”

“No.”

“Well, we can start a partnership as funeral directors to bury the past, can’t we?”

“Sure!”

Nielsen laughed, and she followed his example.

“Erna, I envy you,” he started again.

“Why?”

“Nothing downs you long. You’re such a happy Indian that you’re able to run your world.”

“Am I?”