His wife laughed scornfully.
"Might—yes," she exclaimed.
"Oh, I know you don't believe in 'em any more," he went on. "But let me tell you this—I've got one idea right now that would make me five hundred dollars just as easy as that—" He snapped his fingers at her as he continued: "Do you hear? As easy as that!" His wife, still skeptical, seemed to pay no heed, so petulantly he inquired: "Why don't you ask me about it?"
Fanny again stopped in her work and looked up.
"What is it?" she demanded in a resigned tone.
Jimmie frowned. He did not like his wife's incredulous attitude.
"That's a fine way to ask!" he exclaimed. Imitating her tone he went on: "What is it? You'd show more interest than that if I told you Mrs. Brown's canary had died of the croup!"
In spite of herself Fanny smiled. She was too good-natured to remain cross very long. After all, it was only natural that her husband should confide in her. In a more conciliatory tone, she said:
"I didn't mean anything, Jimmie. What is the idea?"
But he was offended now.