"What!" exploded Bentham, scattering molecules of fish-ball over the table-cloth in front of him. "Rhoda go with him? Who ever heard of such a thing! An unmarried woman! What would everybody say?"
"She hasn't admitted it in so many words," his wife answered, "but I can tell by the way she acts. She thinks he's the most extraordinary man that ever lived. Talks about the 'wonderful opportunity' of flying about in space—and all that!"
"Flying fiddlesticks!" he retorted. "If she goes off with that fellow, I'll never have her in the house again—never!"
"Maybe there won't be any house," commented Mrs. Tassifer grimly.
"Don't say that!" he expostulated. "Don't!"
"I knew you were afraid," she thrust at him.
"I'm not," he answered defiantly. "I don't believe a word of it. As for getting passage for Europe, it's impossible—I asked at the War Department this morning. I couldn't even get standing-room on one of those open scow-tows the cruisers are taking over. The millionaires have bought up every berth on the liners and tugs. Twenty-five thousand dollars apiece they're asking! What chance has a poor man got, anyway, in this world?" Tears stood in his eyes.
"All the same," she answered, "I'm not going to give up hope. And, what's more, I believe Professor Hooker will be able to do something. I'd like to see the inside of that Ring, too. Rhoda says she can arrange it. Will you go with me?"
"Y-e-e-s," admitted Mr. Tassifer.