was restless; the thought of more wine, more ribaldry, revolted
her, and yet she was grateful for this delay, brief though it
promised to be. Any interruption, trivial or tragic, would be
welcome. Meanwhile her husband's eyes followed her hungrily.

Strangely enough, the fears that had driven her to this reckless
marriage had dwindled steadily since the final words were spoken,
and now these apprehensions seemed in no wise so alarming as the
consequences of her rash act. She cringed at her own thoughts;
they set her to shivering; she stole a glance at her husband and
was not reassured, for he continued to eye her with a look she did
not like. She was forced to pledge her own happiness in a glass,
then in a wild moment of desperation longed to deaden herself with
liquor as the others had done.

Jim and Lilas were talking loudly when a key grated in the lock,
the door of the little apartment opened and clicked shut again.
Another instant and Jarvis Hammon paused on the threshold,
glowering.

Lilas's wine-glass shattered upon the floor.

"Jarvis! You frightened me," she cried.

"Evening, Mr. Hammon." Bob lurched to his feet, upsetting his
chair. "This IS a s'prise."

Jim had risen likewise, but Hammon had eyes for no one except
Lilas.