Steve smiled broadly.
“I’ve been called a good many things, but no one’s ever handed me that. No, ma’am, I’m a has-been.”
“I beg your pardon.”
“Granted.”
“What did you say you were?” asked Mrs. Porter after a pause.
“A has-been. I used to be a middle, but mother kicked, and I quit. All through taking a blue eye home! Wouldn’t that jar you?”
“I have no doubt you intend to be explicit——”
“Not on your life!” protested Steve. “I may be a rough-neck, but I’ve got me manners. I wouldn’t get explicit with a lady.”
Mrs. Porter sat down.
“We appear to be talking at cross-purposes,” she said. “I still do not gather what your profession is or was.”