tell me 'tain't."

"Oh, it does, hey? I want to know! Hum! Was you anywheres else last
night? Answer me the truth now, Kenelm Parker. Was you anywheres else
last night?"

"Anywheres else. What do you mean by that?"

"I mean what I say. You know what I mean well enough. Was you--well, was
you callin' on anybody?"

"Callin' on anybody? CALLIN' on 'em?"

"Yes, callin' on 'em. Oh, you needn't look so innocent and buttery!
You ain't above it. Ain't I had experience? Haven't I been through it?
Didn't you use to say that I, your sister that's been a mother to you,
was the only woman in this world for you, and then, the minute I was out
of sight and hardly out of hearin', you--"

"My soul! You've got Abbie Larkin in your head again, ain't you?
It--it--I swear it's a reg'lar disease with you, seems so. Ain't I told
you I ain't seen Abbie Larkin, nor her me, for the land knows how long?
And I don't want to see her. My time! Do you suppose I waded and paddled
a mile and a quarter down to call on Abbie Larkin a night like last
night? What do you think I am--a bull frog? I wouldn't do it to see
the--the Queen of Rooshy."

This vehement outburst seemed to have some effect. Miss Parker's tone
was more conciliatory.