"It beats me," he said.
When Henry re-entered the house Sylvia looked at him.

"What were you and Mr.Meeks talking about out in the street ?" she asked.
"Nothing," replied Henry, lying as a man may to a woman or a child.
"He's in there with her," whispered Sylvia.

"They went in there the minute Mr.Meeks and you went out." Sylvia pointed to the best parlor and looked miserably jealous.
"Well," said Henry, tentatively.
"If they've got anything to say I don't see why they can't say it here," said Sylvia.
"The door is open," said Henry.
"I ain't going to listen, if it is, and you know I can't hear with one ear," said Sylvia.

"Of course I don't care, but I don't see why they went in there.

What were you and Mr.Meeks talking about, Henry ?" "Nothing," answered Henry, cheerfully, again..