“If you do,” the troubled young man warned him, apparently in good faith, “I’ll kill you!”
“What can I do to entertain you, Joe?”
“You might clear out,” his friend suggested darkly. “God knows I haven’t asked for your society!”
“No,” said Lucius. “Our fairest gifts do oft arrive without petition. What an unusual thought! Have you noticed——”
But the other burst out suddenly in a tragic fury: “Shut up! What’s the matter with you? Can’t you see I want to be alone?”
Mr. Allen remained placid. “What difference do I make?” he asked. “I thought you said you were ‘drinking’? If you’re really in earnest about it you don’t care who’s here or anywhere else.”
“Don’t you see I’m in misery?” cried Perley.
“The ayes have it.”
“Well, then, why in Heaven’s name can’t you——”
“I’ll tell you,” said Lucius. “I’m in misery, too. Terrible!”