“Let me unlade my brains,” said Osbert, “for I’m like a basket full of apples; and if they are not carefully taken out, they’ll be bruised and good for nought. Stephen’s children are called Edild, Agnes, Osbert, and Derette—”
“But his wife! it’s his wife I want to know about.”
“Dear, now! I don’t think he told me that,” said Osbert with lamb-like innocence, as if it had only just occurred to him.
“Why, that was what you went for, stupid!”
“Well, to be sure!” returned Osbert in meek astonishment, which he acted to perfection. “He told me the cat’s name, if that will suit you instead.”
“I wish the cat were inside you this minute!” screamed Anania.
“Thank you for your kind wishes,” replied Osbert with placid amiability. “I’m not sure the cat would.”
“Was there ever any mortal thing in this world so aggravating as a man?” demanded Anania, in tones which were not placid by any means. “Went down to Kepeharme Lane to find something out, and came back knowing ne’er a word about it! Do you think you’ve any brains, you horrid tease?”
“Can’t say: never saw them,” answered Osbert sweetly.
“I wonder if you have your match in the county!”