Is your throat sore ?" "A little." "Why in the name of all that's sensible haven't you gone to your uncle's?
I begin to think you're unbalanced." "I explained my reasons once, Lee." She coughed again, then continued, "Ruth and I quarrelled Christmas because of actions of hers and aunt said she must leave the house.

That's why you were not asked then.

But she made it up afterward and so I came when she did, for she was determined to live here where she could be free.

I just had to come." "And now she's leaving you in the face of the worst storm this winter, the ingrate!" Bryant exclaimed.

"To-night's work finishes her with me.
She may go to eternal damnation so far as I'm concerned.