"I suppose you're right," Mrs. Hardy agreed, brightening up. "Well, we won't worry about it."
"Of course we won't worry about it!" declared Aunt Gertrude. "Worry is unhealthy. Worry has sent more people to their graves than anything else. Look at me. I never worry. That's why I'm so healthy. I'll live to be a hundred."
"Yes, it would take quite a lot to kill you, Aunt Gertrude," agreed Frank innocently.
Aunt Gertrude looked up at him suspiciously.
"I don't know just what you mean by that, young man, but I'll warrant there's something behind it! What are you two rascals waiting around here for, anyway? What do you want?"
"We were just wanting to talk to mother."
"Well, go ahead. Who's stopping you? I won't listen, I'm sure. If it's none of my business you needn't be afraid that I'll listen. Not at all. Not at all. Go right ahead. Talk to your mother if you wish. Of course, if you want to leave your poor old aunt out of everything I'm sure I don't mind. I'm not interested, anyway."
Whereupon Aunt Gertrude indignantly hitched her chair around toward the window and knitted vigorously.
"Go ahead! I'm not listening. Talk away. I won't listen to a word of it," she shrilled.
Mrs. Hardy smiled.