"'Sh-h-h-h, Becky."
"For why shouldn't your children know it? Yes, up-stairs in my little green box along with my cameo ear-rings and gold watch-chain I got it put away, children. A new life-insurance policy on light-blue paper, with a red seal I put only last week. When a man that never had any insurance before takes it out so easy he can afford it."
"Not—not because I could afford it I took it, Becky, but with business low I squeeze myself a little to look ahead."
"Only since we got the new store you got so tight. Now you got more you don't let it go so easy. A two-story brick with plate-glass fronts now, and always a long face."
"A long face! You should be worried like I with big expenses and big stock and little business. Why you think I take out a policy so late at such a terrible premium? Why? So when I'm gone you got something besides debts!"
"Just such a poor mouth you had, Julius, when we wanted on the second story."
"I ask you, Becky: one thing that you and the children ever wanted ain't I found a way to get it for you? I ask you?"
"Ya, but a woman that was always economical like me you didn't need to refuse. Never for myself I asked for things."
"Ach, ma and pa, don't begin that on the one night a week I'm home."
"So economical all my life I been. Till Izzy was ashamed to go to school in 'em I made him pants out of yours. You been a good husband, but I been just as good a wife, and don't you forget it!"