I told ’em they didn’t know you, and they haven’t even met you, but they treated me like a—like a mere jest; and then they got so critical, the way they talked about you, it might be better if they didn’t see me with you again for a few days. I can’t stand the way they talk after they see me with you.
MRS. CURTIS
Indeed!
MR. BRIGGS
Well, what I was saying: I can’t touch my principal till I’m twenty-one on account of the way my father went and tied up his will; but of course my mother and sister think a good many’ll be after me on account of it; but, anyhow, I have got to feeling this way, and I know I’ll never get over it, so what I wanted to ask you—well, it’s—it’s—(he swallows) it’s just this: I know you are a widow and everything like that, but would you be willing to—(he swallows) well, of course I don’t know how long since you lost your first husband—
MRS. CURTIS (incredulously)
What! (She rises.)
MR. BRIGGS
I mean I—I don’t know how you would feel about gettin’ married again yet, even if I didn’t have my own difficulties about it, but—but—