"I've meant it for ten years…. But it doesn't matter—"
"Sandy!… It does matter—if—"
"No, it doesn't…. Come on and kick these leaves about and we'll make a million dollars in ginseng!"
But she remained seated, mute, her gaze a sorrowful interrogation which at length he could not pretend to ignore:
"Stephanie child, don't worry. I'm not worrying. I'm glad I told you….
Now just let me go on as I've always gone—"
"How can we?"
"Easily. Shut your eyes, breathe deeply, lifting both arms and lowering them while counting ten in German—"
"Sandy, don't be so foolish at—such a time."
"Such a time? What time is it?" pretending to consult his watch with great anxiety. Then a quick smile of relief spread over his features: "It's all right, Stephanie; it's my hour to be foolish. If you'll place a lump of sugar on my nose, and say 'when,' I'll perform."
There was no answering smile on her face.