"What in thunder are you doin' that for?
This is the private room in here, ain't it ?" Mr.Winslow, returning to his chair, nodded.
"Ya-as," he admitted, "that's why I'm puttin' the 'Private' sign on this side of the door." "Yes, but-- Why, confound it, anybody who sees it there will think it is the other room that's private, won't they ?" Jed nodded.

"I'm in hopes they will," he said.
"You're in hopes they will! Why ?" "'Cause if Gabe Bearse thinks that room's private and that he don't belong there he'll be sartin sure to go there; then maybe he'll give me a rest." He selected a new brush and went on with his painting.

Captain Hunniwell laughed heartily.

Then, all at once, his laughter ceased and his face assumed a troubled expression.
"Jed," he ordered, "leave off daubin' at that wooden doll baby for a minute, will you?
I want to talk to you.

I want to ask you what you think I'd better do.