"Have you lived long in these parts, ma'am?" inquired Bradley socially.
"Fools ask questions, and fools answer them. I ain't a fool," responded the polite hostess.
"Excuse my curiosity, ma'am. I didn't know that it would be disagreeable to you to answer."
"Who told you it was?"
"I thought from your way of speakin'."
"It's none of your business, that's all," said the hostess.
Even Bradley was silenced. It was clear that their hostess was not inclined to be social. The remainder of the meal passed in silence.