He pressed her hand in hurried understanding, as three young men entered the dining room. They were Breen, Carstairs and Nielsen. Erna passed them on her way out with a nervous “good-morning.”
She stayed out some time. Jimmy ate and drank rapidly, got up, took his check, put on his cap and coat, and ignoring the newcomers, left the room. Breen and Nielsen had recognized him with amazement. They watched him curiously, but not so Carstairs. He sat there, staring gloomily at the table.
III
“Moral or unmoral, but not—” Breen started and waited for Nielsen to supply the last word.
Nielsen, who understood, shook his head and corrected: “Moral or unmoral—no more,” and smiled confidently.
Carstairs looked from Nielsen to Breen and continued staring at the table.
“How do you account then for the recrudescence of our young gladiator?” Breen went on.
“And what has that to do with Erna’s life, present or future?” Nielsen argued amiably.
“If he’s calling again?”
“Let him call! Does that necessarily affect Erna’s conduct?”