168

―

Then you are as blind as an owl in daylight, for I've bought five or six. The house is

always upside down, anyhow, and I never can find anything.

‖

―

The house is kept as well as any of your folks can keep one,

‖

she retorted, growing red

in the face.

‖

―

I'd like my mother here to show you a few things,

‖

he said, as he stretched his neck to

look on the top shelf in the pantry.

―

Perhaps she'd boil her spectacles with the potatoes again,

‖

answered the wife.

―

Do you know who you are talking to!

‖

he yelled, as he jumped down.

―

Yes, I do.

‖

―

Well, you'll be going for York State, if you don't look out!

‖

―

I'd like to see myself! When I go this house goes.

‖

―

Look out, Nancy!

‖

―

I'm afraid of no man that lives, Richard Thornton!

‖

―

I'll leave you.

‖

―

And I'll laugh to see you go!

‖

Going close up to her he extended his finger, shook it to emphasize his words, and

slowly said:

―

Nancy Thornton, I'll apply for a divorce to-morrow! I'll tell the judge that I kindly and

lovingly asked you where the gimlet was, and you said we'd never had one in the

house, which is a falsehood, as I can prove!

‖

―

Gimlet!

‖

she gasped.

―

Yes, gimlet!

‖

―

Why, I know where there are three you four. You said corkscrew.

‖

―

Did I?

‖

he gasped, sitting down on the corner of the table;

―

well, now, I believe I did!

‖

―

And you went and abused my like a slave because I wouldn't say a gimlet was a

corkscrew!

‖

she sobbed, falling on the lounge.