"My darling!" he exclaimed, "I'm truly sorry. It was that stupid, that silly, that insane beast, Tommy, I meant to chastise."
"What's he done, pa?"
"Don't ask me. Maria, I'm going down the street, to the drug store, to have my hand dressed."
"You shouldn't be so violent," she said.
"Just keep that boy out of my sight when I come back, that's all."
"I can't help his making mistakes."
"I'll kill or cure him, anyway."
"When shall you be back?"
"I don't know."
"Don't be long. I'm tired and hungry. We've had no supper," said Mrs. Smithers.