She turned for a moment to excuse herself temporarily from the game and sat on the edge of the sofa.
“You’ll be all right, boy,” she said in her deep tone. “I guess you’re tired out after your long term of work. Is there anything I can do for you?”
“I’m afraid not, Gertrude. It’s just a cranky mood I’m in.”
“Would you like some coffee?” she asked.
“No thanks. I’m not having any. I’m just fidgety and disagreeable.”
“I never saw you like this before. I’m afraid you’ve been taking life too seriously. I know you don’t mind me talking. Excuse me a minute. I’m just going upstairs to see if your room’s properly aired and made up.”
“It’s fine, Gertrude,” he said. “Don’t bother. The room’s got nothing to do with it.”
However, she was not to be dissuaded.
In a few moments she returned with a folded newspaper in her hand.