Well, she didn't want to tell that, neither.

Finally I dragged it out of her that she was countin' how many words I'd said since I started to tell about Melissy Busteed and what she said about Luther Small's wife's aunt, the one that's so wheezed up with asthma and Doctor Parker don't seem to be able to do nothin' to help.

'So you was countin' my words, was you ?' says I.

'Well, that's good business, I must say! How many have I said ?' She looked solemn and shook her head.

'I had to give it up,' says she.