If she has been telling tales, they are untrue.

I have found her, I regret to say, inclined at times to be--ah--inventive." "Perhaps that's so," remarked Uncle John, carelessly.

"You're said to be a good man, Mr.Hopkins; a leetle too honest and straightforward for a politician; but that's an excusable fault." "I hope I deserve my reputation, Mr.Merrick," said Erastus, straightening up at this praise.

"I do, indeed, try to live an upright life." "I guess so, Mr.Hopkins, I guess so.

You wouldn't try, for instance, to encourage false registration." "Sir!" "Anything wrong, Mr.Hopkins ?" asked Uncle John, innocently.
Erastus looked at his visitor tremblingly, although he tried to control his nerves.