She asked why it had not continued in business.
Mr.Chase brusquely answered that it hadn't, that's all, and would not give any particulars.

She questioned the steward concerning Shadrach and Zoeth.

The former had never married; that was funny; why hadn't he?
Isaiah said he did not know.

Hadn't Uncle Zoeth ever married, either?
Yes, Zoeth had married.
"Who did--" began Mary-'Gusta, but Isaiah cut short the catechizing.
"You mustn't ask such questions," he declared.
"Why mustn't I ?" "'Cause you mustn't.

Your uncles wouldn't like it a mite if they knew you was pryin' into their affairs.