“It’s Maudlin Bates, ain’t it, darlin’?” he asked.
“No, Lafe.”
“Can’t you tell your friend what ’tis?”
“I guess I’m crying because I’m foolish, dear,” she replied.
“No, that’s not true, Jinnie. I feel as bad seeing you cry’s if ’twas Peggy.”
This was a compliment, and Jinnie tried to sit up bravely, but a friendly hand held her close.
“Just begin, an’ the rest’ll come easy,” Lafe insisted.
Jinnie’s tongue refused to talk, and of a sudden she grew ashamed and dropped her scarlet face.
“I don’t believe I can tell it, Lafe dear,” she got out.
“Something about a man?”