“Lively, you goose.”
“L-l-lively life.”
“None of your widows for me.”
“None of your w-w-widders for me.”
“Now, don’t you feel better?”
“Yes, sir,” said Higby. “I’ll put me a-a-arm round the stair post afore I-I-I’ll put it round that widder again,” and he marched valiantly up to the aforesaid post and struck it with such vehemence and comicality that Titus put down his head and ran precipitately upstairs.
Higby’s admiration for Mrs. Blodgett was a standing joke in the family.
CHAPTER XXIII
Mrs. Everest Begins to Explain
Titus found his grandfather sitting in his armchair, with Bethany on her little stool at his feet. Her head was pressed against him. Her eyes were red and troubled, and occasionally she caught her breath in a faint sob.
Mrs. Everest sat opposite them, and on seeing Titus she said, eagerly, “Come, boy, we are just waiting for you.” Then she turned to the Judge. “Do I understand you to say that you have not the slightest inkling of all that occurred to-day?”