Suddenly it was revealed to me that she was the loveliest woman I had ever seen in all my life! How could I have been so slow in grasping this great, bewildering truth? The prettiest woman I had ever looked upon! Of course I had known it from the first instant that I looked into her eyes, but I must have been existing in a state of stupefaction up to this illuminating moment.
I am afraid that I stared.
"Turn you out?" I cried. "Turn you out of this delightful room after you've had so much trouble getting it into shape? Never!"
"Oh, you don't know how I've imposed upon you!" she cried plaintively. "You don't know how I've robbed you, and bothered you—"
"Yes, I do," said I promptly. "I know all about it. You've been stealing my coals, my milk, my ice, my potatoes, my servants, my sleep and "—here I gave a comprehensive sweep of my hand—"everything in sight. And you've made us walk on tip-toe to keep from waking the baby, and—" I stopped suddenly. "By the way, whose baby is it? Not yours, I'm sure."
To my surprise her eyes filled with tears.
"Yes. She is my baby, Mr. Smart."
My face fell. "Oh!" said I, and got no further for a moment or two. "I—I—please don't tell me you are married!"
"What would you think of me if I were to tell you I'm not?" she cried indignantly.
"I beg your pardon," I stammered, blushing to the roots of my hair. "Stupid ass!" I muttered.