If you'd asked--' "'Why should I always do the askin'?
Must a wife always ask her husband?
Doesn't the husband ever do anything on his own responsibility?
Seth, I married you because I thought you was a strong, self-reliant man, who would advise me and protect me and--' "That cussed inventor bust into the talk right here.

I cal'late he thought twas time.
"'Excuse me, sister,' he says; 'don't humiliate yourself afore him.
Remember you and me saw him tonight, saw him with our own eyes, settin' on a dark piazza with another woman.

Drinkin' with her and--' "'Drinkin'!' I yells.
"'Yes, drinkin',' says he, solemn.

'I don't wonder you are ashamed of it.' "'Ashamed! I ain't ashamed.' "'You hear that, sister?
NOW I hope you're convinced.' "''Twa'n't nothin' but lemonade I was drinkin',' I hollers, pretty nigh crazy.

'She asked me to stop and have a glass 'cause 'twas so hot.