My wife--well, bon Dieu! it does not matter much.

She is occupied in keeping herself warm, no doubt.

But Catrina! that is a different matter.

Tell me--how is she?
That is the first thing I want to know." "She is well," answered Steinmetz.

"I saw her yesterday." "And happy ?" The broad-faced man looked into Steinmetz's face with considerable keenness.
"Yes." It was a moment for mental reservations.