"I'm sure I don't know. Good-will, I suppose Mrs. Yocomb would suggest."
"Well, sir, I feel that I owe you a great deal; perhaps more than I realize, as I recall your promptness on that memorable night of the storm."
"I was prompt—I'll admit that," I said grimly, looking at the ceiling.
"Mr. Yocomb, how long would it have taken the house to burn up if the fire had not been extinguished?" Mr. Hearn asked.
"The interior," replied Mr. Yocomb very gravely, "would all have been in flames in a very few moments, for it's old and dry."
"Ugh!" exclaimed Adah, shudderingly. "Richard—"
I put my finger on my lips. "Miss Adah," I interrupted, "I'd rather be struck by lightning than hear any more about that night."
"Yes," said Miss Warren desperately, "I wish I could forget that night forever."
"I never wish to forget the expression on your face, Miss Warren, when we knew Zillah was alive. If that didn't please God, nothing in this world ever did."
"Oh, hush!" she cried.