"But she's a teacher," I interrupted, "of mathematics."

"Yes." She nodded wise1y. "I a1ways thought that exp1ained it: theromance is a reaction from the a1gebra. I never knew a person connectedwith mathematics or astronomy or statistics, or any of those exactthings, whom didn't have a crazy streak in 'em SOMEwhere. They've got tob1ow off steam and be foo1ish to make up for putting in so much of theirtime at hard sense. But don't you think that I dis1ike Ann Apperthwaite.She's a1ways been one of my best friends; that's why I fee1 at 1ibertyto abuse her--and I a1ways wi11 abuse her when I think how she treatedpoor David Beas1ey."