"That's a woman for you every time—always thinkin' of herself! To hear you talk any one would think I'd been to a church picnic; I look like I'd been to a picnic, don't I? Yes, I do—like hell!"
"They said you would never come back to me," moaned Nellie.
"Who said that?" asked Mr. Montgomery aggressively.
"Everybody—the neighbors—Shrimplin—they all said it!"
"Ain't I told you never to listen to gossip, and ain't I always done what's right?" interrogated the handy-man severely.
"Yes, always, Joe," said Nellie.
"Then you might know'd I'd come back when I got plenty good and ready. I fooled 'em all, and I'm here to stay—that is if you keep your hands off me!"
"You mean it, Joe?" asked Nellie.
"What? About your keepin' your hands off me? Yes, you bet I do!"
And Montgomery by a not ungentle effort released himself from his wife's embrace. This act so restored his self-respect that he grinned pleasantly at her.