He came back. She knew, and had always known, that boys themselves were
a species of reptile. She felt, at this moment, that whatever this boy
did must be regarded from that point of view--and forgiven. And as she
wondered how a benevolent Creator could permit, in a decently ordered
world, the existence of boys, the Vandal exclaimed in a reflective
tone, but with a smile of amusement:
"Women are funny!"
At that moment the grandfather clock in the corner struck four. Miss
Clement frowned in that direction. "When did Dr. Alton say he would be
back?"
"He didn't say."
"But you told me he would return soon."
"Yes, ma'am."
"But you really don't know when?"
"No, ma'am."
"Then you told a fib."