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28

He ’s gettin’ old. When Orin had the stomach trouble a month ago, I sent for Doctor Morris. I felt sort of guilty doin’ it, but I thought it was my duty.

You will let me help you, Jane?

Hannah and I can attend to everything. Henry! (She turns to him) You might come over for a minute this evening and we can talk things over. I ’ll make the bed up in your old room, Ben, if you want to stay.

(rises and looks at Jane coldly)

Now, Henry Jordan, if she ’s all through givin orders, maybe you ’ll begin.

Well, I should say so. Let ’s have an understandin’.

You tell her the truth, Henry, or else one of us will do it for you.

(hesitates)

Maybe it might be best if I should wait until after the funeral.

You tell her now, or I will.

Tell me what?

We was thinkin’ now that mother ’s dead, that there was n’t much use in your stayin’ on here.