But this ain't reason--it's what I called it in the beginnin', craziness.

Me and Zoeth can't go crazy for anybody." "Then you decline ?" "Yes, sir; I'm mighty sorry but of course we can't do such a thing.

Me and Zoeth, one of us a bach all his life, and t'other one a--a widower for twenty years, for us to take a child to bring up! My soul and body! Havin' hung on to the heft of our senses so far, course we decline! We can't do nothin' else." "And you, Mr.Hamilton ?" Zoeth appeared to hesitate.

Then he asked: "What sort of a girl is she ?" "Mary-'Gusta?
She's a bright child, and a well-behaved one, generally speaking.

Rather old for her years, and a little--well, peculiar.