"Oh, nonsense!" he exclaimed, "I'm all right. I can take twice as much as I've had and not even feel it." Going towards the door he added: "I'll tell Oku to bring it in here—"
She ran quickly to intercept him. That was just what she dreaded. If he touched another drop he would be beyond control. It must be prevented at any cost.
"No, Robert! No!" she pleaded.
Stafford stopped and stared at her in amazement.
"What's the matter?" he demanded.
"Don't take any more," she said, laying a hand coaxingly on his arm. "Please, dear! It isn't good for you."
"Good for me!" he laughed. "Don't you worry about that. I know what's good for me!" Determinedly he added: "I want that wine and I'm going to have it."
"Then say good-night," she replied with what self-possession she could command, "and take it in your own room."
He looked at her stupidly.
"Drink alone?" he hiccoughed. "And you right here? Well, I guess not—"