“No.”
“You must be gentle with her, gentle but firm. Point out the error of her ways.”
“I am always doing that, Isaac.”
“She may get over it—a passing infatuation. Such things happen.”
“If it wasn’t for the child!”
“Yes, yes, I understand. Oh, dear! oh, dear! very distressing, my friend. If I can be of any assistance—”
He thrust out his large hands helplessly. It is the kind of trouble in which no man can help another, and each knew it. Jim hovered by the door.
“It’s nice to have some one to—talk to, anyway,” he muttered; then he picked up his cap and shuffled away, calling out:
“Old iron! Old iron!”