"What got you in?"

"I—I—I dunno."

"Aw, now, yes, you do know. Try to think—take your time—what got you in?"

"I—I—can't—"

"Yes, you can. Go on; I ain't lookin' at you."

He turned off to an angle.

Her first sob burst from her, tearing her throat and ending in a tremolo of moans in her throat.

"Now, now," he said, still in profile; "that won't do. Not for a sensible little girl like you. Easy—easy—take your time—"

"You see, mister—you see, it was my—my mamma—my beautiful, darling mamma—O God!—"

"Yes, yes; it was your mamma—and then what?"