“Put in another application and take another examination,” urged Murray in despair. “The doctor may have been misled by some trifling temporary trouble.”
“What would be the use?” asked Tucker. “I’ve already invested the premium money in a small ranch.”
“It’s too bad,” remarked Mrs. Tucker lugubriously. “That money would have done the company so much good.”
“This has ceased to be a joke!” declared Murray earnestly.
“A joke!” exclaimed Mrs. Tucker. “Has it ever been a joke with you?”
“No, it hasn’t,” said Murray.
“I didn’t think you could be so heartless,” asserted Mrs. Tucker. “One has only to look at poor Ralph—”
“Don’t, don’t!” cried Murray. “On what terms will you quit this?”
“Oh, if you want to get down to business,” put in Tucker, “I’d like to begin delivering this company to Frances. You know I said I was going to do it. I don’t care for policies, but I might take some stock.”
“You said you had no money.”