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'Why look at the way he's always lived with that woman of his. That's enough for me, never speaking! And take his daughter....'

'Yes...?' began Richard, so quickly that the woman at once struck in, high-pitched.

'All I say is ... all I say is, we can't ever know, don't you see, what may be at the bottom of these things. Everyone has their cross to bear, and we can't always understand, so it behoves us not to judge others.' Mrs. Hymerson's voice became more even as she went on, despite the snort of Carson, as though she were reciting a well-remembered scriptural lesson. Milne, too grateful now that a moment of rage had passed not to abet her irrelevance, turned to her.

'Is Arvin not at home now, Mrs. Hymerson? I hope you'll pardon my not inquiring before; I missed him at once, of course.'

'Arvin, he went out in the country to-day to look for a cow. Kind of running out of good cows, some going dry, going to fat a couple for beef. So I thought I'd give the boy a chance, let him use his own head this time and buy one without me near. I hope he don't get beat,' he added grimly.