“O my God!” groaned Helen, with a loose grin. “Now we’ll get it.”
“Whah—whah!” Luke chortled crazily, prodding Eliza in the ribs.
“I’ll vow, boy!” said Eliza angrily. “You act like an idiot. I’d be ashamed!”
“Whah—whah—whah!”
Helen sniggered, nudging Eugene.
“Isn’t he crazy, though? Tuh-tuh-tuh-tuh-tuh.” Then, with wet eyes, she drew Eugene roughly into her big bony embrace.
“Poor old’Gene. You always got on together, didn’t you? You’ll feel it more than any of us.”
“He’s not b-b-buried yet,” Luke cried heartily. “That boy may be here when the rest of us are pushing d-d-daisies.”
“Where’s Mrs. Pert?” said Eugene. “Is she in the house?”
A strained and bitter silence fell upon them.
“I ordered her out,” said Eliza grimly, after a moment. “I told her exactly what she was—a whore.” She spoke with the old stern judiciousness, but in a moment her face began to work and she burst into tears. “If it hadn’t been for that woman I believe he’d be well and strong to-day. I’ll vow I do!”
“Mama, in heaven’s name!” Helen burst out furiously. “How dare you say a thing like that? She was the only friend he had: when he was taken sick she nursed him hand and foot. Why, the idea! The idea!” she panted in her indignation. “If it hadn’t been for Mrs. Pert he’d have been dead by now. Nobody else did anything for him. You were willing enough, I notice, to keep her here and take her money until he got sick. No, sir!” she declared with emphasis. “Personally, I like her. I’m not going to cut her now.”
“It’s a d-d-d-damn shame!” said Luke, staunch to his goddess. “If it hadn’t been for Mrs. P-P-P-Pert and you, Ben would be S. O. L. Nobody else around here gave a damn. If he d-d-d-dies, it’s because he didn’t get the proper care when it would have done him some good. There’s always been too d-d-damn much thought of saving a nickel, and too d-d-damn little about flesh and blood!”
“Well, forget about it!” said Helen wearily. “There’s one thing
