He insisted upon helping with the dishes and, because she saw that he would be hurt if she did not, his hostess permitted him to do so.
"You see, ma'am," he said, "I've been doin' dishes for a consider'ble spell, more years than I like to count.

I ought to be able to do 'em fair to middlin' well.

But," he added, as much to himself as to her, "I don't know as that's any sign.

There's so many things I ought to be able to do like other folks--and can't.
I'm afraid you may not be satisfied, after all, ma'am," he went on.
"I suppose you're a kind of an expert, as you might say." She shook her head.

"I fear I'm no expert, Mr.Winslow," she answered, just a little sadly, so it seemed to him.