“Advertisement from a furrier — a circular about putting furs in storage for the warm weather. It may come in handy.”
“I’m afraid I don’t get you.”
Bertha grinned. “Don’t try to.”
They sat in silence for several minutes, Belder restless, fidgeting, Bertha calmly placid.
The teakettle started singing. Steam which had been curling up in little wisps from the spout gradually became a full-throated stream.
Bertha gently held the envelope over the spout.
“Can’t they tell the envelope has been steamed open?” Belder asked.
“Not when I get done with it.”
“You’re more optimistic than I am.”
Bertha gently inserted the point of a lead pencil between the flap and the envelope. “I should certainly hope I was.”