“Yes; but to tear my tongue out would not be to prove it otherwise. The Serpent’s wisdom should assert itself and prove the opposite. You were also in the Holiest Place.”
“Of course; but for a man the offence is not so capital.”
“Tomatoes and salt,” said Rosalie, and she laughed. He laughed also.
“Your impudence is only beaten by your ignorance.”
“As often as I offend solely with my tongue, you must take the blame yourself. I think you must have oiled the wheels too freely.”
“It is a good thing you have no relatives, Miss Paleaf; they would have missed you, disappearing so suddenly.”
“Under the circumstances, I suppose it is.”
“Were you happy with them?”
“Oh, yes! As happy as the day, when we were in prosperity. But this last year has been nothing but shadow and poverty, and I don’t think I ever realised how many things I had to be thankful for till they were all gone.”
“The gift of speech does not compensate for all things, then?”