"But about the woman?"
"Well, I suppose she lay like one in a trance for some considerable time, and it is said that all arrangements were made for her funeral. Presently, however, she gave signs of life, and in course of time Naomi was born."
"And the mother lived?"
"My dear Nick, you'll find that it'll take a great deal to kill a woman. Yes, she lived and enjoyed a fair amount of health. I suppose, too, that her conduct improved, at least I was told so; still, as I said, I found her difficult to manage."
"But you did manage her?"
"When I set my mind on a thing I generally do get my own way; but I think it would have been impossible in this case but for mother."
"What, granny?"
"Yes, she took the matter in hand, and together we got on fairly well."
"Yes, but by what means did you establish a claim on her sympathies? She had other relations!"