“F—funeral?” she stammered.
Suddenly he seemed somehow to have changed. He looked as serious as though he was beginning to think out something all at once. What was he going to say?
“That's New York slang,” he answered. “It means that I want to explain myself to you and ask a few questions.”
“Certainly, certainly, Mr. Temple Barholm.”
He leaned his back against the mantel, and went into the matter practically.
“First off, haven't you ANY folks?” Then, answering her puzzled look, added, “I mean relations.”
Miss Alicia gently shook her head.
“No sisters or brothers or uncles or aunts or cousins?”
She shook her head again.
He hesitated a moment, putting his hands in his pockets and taking them out again awkwardly as he looked down at her.