taken a comprehensible turn for him.

'If it's fighting you're after, I'm with you; that's settling it like
gentlemen. What are you grinning at?' He spoke huffily.

'Dunna snab at each other! What for do you?' said Hazel.

'Because you're husband's jealous.'

Edward was exasperated by the realization that his action in coming did
look like that of the commonplace husband. But, after all, what did it
matter? Nothing mattered but Hazel. He looked across at her crouched in
the armchair sobbing. He went to her and patted her shoulder.

'No one's angry with you, dear,' he said. 'Afterwards, when we're home,
you shall explain it all to me.'

'If you win!' put in Reddin.

Edward stooped and kissed Hazel's hand. The momentary doubt of her--cruel
as hell--had gone. She was his lady, and he was going to fight for her.
Hazel looked up at him, and in that instant she almost loved him.

They went out. It was a black moonless night. They stood near the lit
window.

'Draw the blind up!' shouted Reddin.

Hazel drew it up. They faced each other in the square of light. They
were both quite collected. It seemed difficult to begin. The humour of