"_I_ think, 'Poor Ann Apperthwaite!'" retorted my cousin. "I'd like toknow if there's anything NICER than just to sit and sit and sit and sitwith as lovely a man as that--a man who comprehends things, and thinksand listens and smiles--instead of everlastingly talking!"

"As it happens," I remarked, "I've heard Mr. Beasley talk."