"That might be bad for me," she reminded him. "When a couple talk in the dark, other couples talk about them. I will listen to some of your plans—with a decided preference for those about myself. You shall tell me four," she said, tapping the first finger of her right hand. "What is plan number one?"
"About Aunt Sophy," replied George promptly:
"Unless there's a sudden change in temperature," murmured Nellie, "I am to be frozen out again."
"You come last," said tactless George.
"Just as I expected, and perhaps a little more," she answered.
"Aunt Sophy must die," said George firmly. "That sad event should happen any time now. The first plan is to get rid of her."
"Let it be done decently," she begged.
"I don't want her to die, for, of course, one is always sorry to lose old relations. Aunt Maria's death was a great shock to me," George explained. "But for Aunt Sophy it would be a happy release, especially as I cannot be master in my own house while she lives. She ought to have gone before Aunt Maria."
"I suppose she forgot."
"Do you notice any signs of breaking down?"