Kells said: “What am I supposed to do about it?”

Rose pulled the loose tobacco out of one end of the cigaret, licked the paper. “Have you got a match?”

Kells shook his head slowly.

Rose said: “Tell Fay to lay off.”

Kells laughed — a long, high-pitched, sarcastic laugh.

“Ask him to lay off.”

“Run your own errands, Jakie,” Kells swung up to sit, facing Rose. “For a young fella that’s supposed to be bright,” he said, “you have some pretty dumb ideas.”

“You’re a friend of Fay’s.”

“Sure,” Kells nodded elaborately. “Sure, I’m everybody’s friend. I’m the guy they write the pal songs about.” He stood up. “Is that all, Jakie?”

Rose said: “Come on out to the Joanna tonight.”