JIM looks at JOE again. JOE is a mixture of pride and apology.
JIM. [Leans over back of chair.] You know, if I had my way, I'd like
Kate to see everything. Go to St. Louis, and Europe, an' travel.
I've often thought I'd like to be well enough off to take Kate an'
jes' do nothin' but travel for a whole summer.
MRS. VERNON. Oh, folks'd talk about it, Jim.
JIM. Why, I mean married—if Kate'd have me.
MRS. VERNON. Oh!
JOE. [Explainingly.] Of course—'fore they started.
JIM looks at JOE in amused disgust.
JIM. An' you know, Mrs. Vernon, I've had it on the tip of my tongue a dozen times to ask her.
MRS. VERNON. [Reflectively.] Well,—it might be the best thing that could happen to her. [Pause.] Kate's been awful restless lately.
JOE. [Heartily.] An' she likes you, Jim, better'n anybody.