If Johnny would rather quarrel than talk about things that didn't interest either of them a bit, why, a quarrel he should have.
But Johnny would not quarrel.

He made no reply whatever to the tentative charge.

When Mary V stopped scolding, she became aware that Johnny had not heard a word of what she had said.
"How many horses did your dad figure had been stolen?
I mean, besides the ones he got back." "Why--er--you'll have to ask dad.

I don't see what that can have to do with meadow larks' brains." "It hasn't a thing to do with brains.

I was merely wondering." "Well," Mary V retorted flippantly, "I believe the wondering is very good to-day.