Culpepper.
Mr. Sharp stared at him. "Have I said anything I oughtn't to?" he
inquired.
Mr. Culpepper shook his head, and, taking up a fork and spoon, began to
serve a plum-pudding that Miss Garland had just placed on the table.
"What was it you said I was to be sure and not tell Mrs. Culpepper?"
inquired Mr. Sharp, dreamily. "I haven't said that, have I?"
"No!" snapped the harassed Mr. Culpepper, laying down the fork and spoon
and regarding him ferociously. "I mean, there wasn't anything. I mean,
I didn't say so. You're raving."
"If I did say it, I'm sorry," persisted Mr. Sharp. "I can't say fairer
than that, can I?"
"You're all right," said Mr. Culpepper, trying, but in vain, to exchange
a waggish glance with his wife.
"I didn't say it?" inquired Mr. Sharp.
"No," said Mr. Culpepper, still smiling in a wooden fashion.
"I mean the other thing?" said Mr. Sharp, in a thrilling whisper.
"Look here," exclaimed the overwrought Mr. Culpepper; "why not eat your
pudding, and leave off talking nonsense? Nobody's listening to you."
"Speak for yourself," said his wife, tartly. "I like to hear Mr. Sharp
talk. What was it he told you not to tell me?"
Mr. Sharp eyed her mistily.
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