and everybody is so accustomed to being upset in one way or another that
apologies for upsetments are quite an unnecessary bother, aren't they?"

That was another interestingly curious thing about Betty Jo,--the way
she could finish off a characteristic, matter-of-fact statement with a
question which had the effect of making one agree instantly whether one
agreed or not.

Brian felt himself quite unexpectedly feeling that "upsetments" were
quite common, ordinary, and to be expected events in one's life. "But I
am really in very serious trouble, Miss Williams," he said in a way that
sounded oddly to Brian himself, as though he were trying to convince
himself that his trouble really was serious.

Betty Jo rose to her feet, and looked straight at him, and there was no
mistaking the genuineness of the interest expressed in those big gray
eyes.

"Oh, are you? Is it really so serious? I am so sorry. But don't you
think you better tell me about it, Mr. Burns? If I am to work for you, I
may just as well begin right here, don't you think?"

There it was again,--that trick-question. Brian felt himself agreeing in
spite of himself, though how he was to explain his painful situation
to this young woman whom, until a few minutes before, he had never even
seen, he did not know. He answered cautiously, speaking half to himself:
"That is what Judy said."

Betty Jo did not understand, and made no pretense,--she never made a
pretense of anything. "What did Judy say?" she asked.