I apologize and take it all back.

Now can I come in ?" The door was thrown open.

Seth entered, looking sheepish, and sat down in the little cane-seated rocker.
"Say," he began, after a moment of uncomfortable silence, "would you mind--now that I've begged your pardon and all--tellin' me what did happen while I was away.

I imagine, judgin' by the looks of things in the kitchen, that there was--er--well, consider'ble doin', as the boys say." He grinned.

Brown tried to be serious, but was obliged to smile in return.
"I'll tell you," he said.