half-uncertainty

Updated: May 8, 2025

The beggar himself, a rather sniveling specimen, finally realizing what a figure he was cutting with his song and thanks, emptied the coins into his hand and with an indescribably wry expression, half-uncertainty and half smile, exclaimed, "I'll have to thank you as long as you keep putting pennies in, I suppose. God bless you!" My brother came away smiling and content.

Theodore Dreiser - Twelve Men