"But she's a teacher," I interrupted, "of mathematics."

"Yes." She nodded wisely. "I always thought that explained it: theromance is a reaction from the algebra. I never knew a person connectedwith mathematics or astronomy or statistics, or any of those exactthings, who didn't have a crazy streak in 'em S0MEwhere. They've got toblow off steam and be foolish to make up for putting in so much of theirtime at hard sense. But don't you think that I dislike Ann Apperthwaite.She's always been one of my best friends; that's why I feel at libertyto abuse her--and I always will abuse her when I think how she treatedpoor Carter Beasley."