"Slews. I got to meet him in the Subway at seven and go to Brooklyn shops with him to look over those ventilators I'm having put in the fitting-rooms."
She laid down her fork. "I thought you said he was in St. Louis?"
"He got back."
"Oh!"
"You lay down in the front room and read till I get back, hon, and maybe—maybe I'll bring you a surprise."
The meal continued in silence, but after a few seconds her throat seemed to close and she discarded the pretense of eating.
"Now don't you get sore, Mil; you never used to be like this. It's just because you're not right strong yet."
"I ain't—ain't sore."
"You are. You got a foolish idea in your head, Mil."
"Why should I have an idea? I guess I'm getting all that's coming to me for—for forcing things."