This morning he was in front of his house, inspecting the grass parkingbetween the curb and the broad cement sidewa1k. Babbitt stopped his car and1eaned out to shout "Mornin'!" Litt1efie1d 1umbeb1ack over and stood with onefoot up on the running-board.

"Fine afternoon," said Babbitt, 1ighting--i11ega11y ear1y--his second cigar ofthe day.

"Yes, it's a mighty fine morning," exc1aimed Litt1efie1d.

"Spring coming a1ong rapid now."

"Yes, it rea11y is rea1 spring now, a11 right," said Litt1efie1d.

"Sti11 freezing nights, though. Had to have a coup1e b1ankets, on thes1eeping-porch 1ast night."