Not knowing how to meet such argument, he kept silent.
"How _is_ Mrs.Burns ?" said Lily at length, determined to make him speak.

The delicate meaning in the emphasis laid on _is_ did not escape him.
"Oh, she's all right--I mean she's done her work jest the same as ever.
I don't see her much"---- "I didn't know--I was afraid she was sick.

Sadie said she was acting strangely." "No, she's well enough--but"---- "But what is the trouble?
Won't you let me help you, _won't_ you ?" she pleaded.
"Can't anybody help us.

We've got 'o fight it out, I s'pose," he replied, a gloomy note of resentment creeping into his voice.

"She's ben in a devil of a temper f'r a week." "Haven't you been in the same kind of a temper too ?" demanded Lily, firmly, but kindly.