So down they sat together, and Ravenslee vowed the ham was all ham should be and the eggs beyond praise. And when his hunger was somewhat appeased, Mrs. Trapes leaned her bony elbows on the table and questioned him.
"You ain't ever spoke to Hermy, have you, Mr. Geoffrey?"
"Very often, lately."
"I mean—you ain't opened your 'eart to her—matrimonially, have you?"
"No!"
"Why, then, I'll tell you what—there's been times when I've been afraid that for the sake o' that b'y she'd sacrifice herself to Bud M'Ginnis."
"No, she would never do that, Mrs. Trapes."
"Oh, but she would."
"But, you see, she couldn't!"
"And why not?"