She seized one and bit into it, then eyed him accusingly.
"You did go away, didn't you?"
"Oh, hear the woman! Certainly I did. I sneaked off as soon as you hit the hay. I'm not cut out for a martyr. But I notice you're not above accepting the fruits of my enterprise. Now, are you ready to be reasonable?"
"I'm always reasonable," she mumbled through a large mouthful.
"So? Well, listen, then: I have made discoveries."
Mary stopped chewing and stared expectantly.
"Those apples come from a toy orchard. The orchard is part of the backyard of a house. This place where we are sitting is part of the waterfront adjoining that house. So much I have learned by being cautious as well as intrepid. Do I bore you?"
"Hurry!" she commanded.
"In the other part of that backyard, nearest to the house, is something even more important than food. Can you guess?"
"Clothes?"