He was standing at the door and as he spoke his hand happened to touch the key. Suddenly an idea occurred to him. She might try to get away. If he had the key, he would command the situation. Unobserved by his wife, he noiselessly withdrew the key from the lock and slipped it in his pocket. Carelessly he went on:
"Where'd be the fun of that? No, we'll have it in here and we'll have a little party—just you and me! A little party! Eh?"
He went towards her, arms outstretched, his eyes ardent. As he advanced she retreated to the farther side of the room.
"Please don't!" she exclaimed, opening her eyes wide in terror.
He halted.
"Why not?" he demanded.
Hesitatingly and in a low tone she answered:
"I remember—the last time."
"When was that?"
"About a week ago!"