my friends, illie said. Us all ’

    how you mean?’

    Portia pulled  tretc like rubber. quot;t illie means. You see, during t so bad to quarrel. illie dont ever  to see any of t one t already. ter------’

    quot;Buster got a reet today.’

    ter dont  o  to round up all toget know.’

    t aint a good idea. And besides us  tumps of rong   tor never given to me. I sure do wishey are.’

    Jake looked around h dazed, gin-clouded eyes.

    Everytrange. t in the

    kitc voices ec urned on but, as to dim its strengt of t came from bet stove. t uneasy and alone. Singer  to visit Portias fated o come back so t t doween Marss.

    ias fator Copeland is in t room, sir, said Roberts.

    Is or?’

    quot;Yes, sir. or.’

    teps outside and tened t a tall boy dressed  and gilded sered t seventeen.

    you all brought me?’

    ely to Jake and placed on table t jars of  beside te covered e napkin.

    t from ty, highboy said.

    And Lancys mot some peach puffs.’

    or, Miss Portia? Lancy asked.

    ?y sick t  a bad sign rong. Portia turned to Jake. Dont you t a bad sign, Mr. Blount?’

    Jake stared at  know.’

    Lancy glanced sullenly at Jake and pulled dogroor my familys regards.’

    Us certainly do appreciate tia said. quot;Fat ts to give you. ait just one minute  and rinc te to return to your Motainly a kindly to do.’

    Marso to speak to riped trousers and a morning coat ton and said: Pardon me, sir—but unavoid