“What's the row, Ase?” asked Cy cheerily. He was overflowing with good nature.
“Oh, nothin' special,” replied Mr. Tidditt. “You look joyful enough for two of us. Had good company, ain't you?”
“Why, yes; 'bout as good as there is. What makes you look so glum?”
Asaph hesitated.
“Phoebe was here yesterday, too, wan't she?” he asked.
“Yup. What of it?”
“And the day afore that?”
“No, not for three days afore that. But what OF it, I ask you?”
“Well, now, Cy, you mustn't get mad. I'm a friend of yours, and friends ought to be able to say 'most anything to each other. If—if I was you, I wouldn't let Phoebe come so often—not here, you know, at your house. Course, I know she comes with Bos'n and all, but—”
“Out with it!” The captain's tone was ominous. “What are you drivin' at?”