platter as she stood by the table, just to bear him company.

“Say, earn! If he’d of earned what you was earning now, we’d of thought we was millionaires. Time Etty was born he was pulling down thirteen a week, and we saved on it.” She looked at him suddenly, sharply. “Why?”

“Oh, I was just wondering.”

“Look what good money he’s getting now! If I was you, I wouldn’t stick around no old garage for what they give you. You could get a good job in the works with Pa; first thing you know you’d be pulling down big money. You’re smart like that with engines� . Takes a lot of money nowadays for feller to get married.”

“You tell ‘em,” agreed Nick. He looked up at her, having finished eating. His glance was almost tender.