“I am very busy, Daddy,” she said. “You mustn't bother.”
“Bother! Well, I like that! How long since my company was a bother to you, Gertie? It never used to be.”
“It isn't now, and you know it. But, as I say, I am very busy. Business first, pleasure afterwards.”
“Humph! I'm glad I'm a pleasure, even if it's the kind that comes after everything else. What have you and your ma been talkin' about upstairs for the last hour?”
“A great many things—society and the Chapter and—oh, all sorts.”
“Want to know! What were you and Azuba talkin' about?”
“About household matters and the people IN the house.”
“People in the house! What people?”
“You and mother and Mr. Hun—that is, Cousin Percy—and Hapgood.”
“That's all there is, except yourself. What was you and Hapgood havin' a confab on; more household matters?”