‘Keep your voice down, you little fool!’ he said furiously. ‘You’re making a scene!’
‘I don’t care!’ the girl cried. ‘Why shouldn’t I make a scene if I want to? I’m paying for this meal, and if I want to, I’m entitled to make a scene!’
A waiter came up quickly.
‘Is there anything madam wants?’ he asked, bowing.
‘Get some champagne,’ the girl ordered. ‘My boy friend’s thirsty. He only drinks champagne if I pay for it. Don’t you, Adam darling?’
Gillis pushed back his chair. He was sweating now.
‘Sure,’ he said soothingly. ‘But excuse me a moment. I’l be right back. I’ve just remembered I’ve got to make a phone call.’
‘Oh, no, you don’t!’ the girl exclaimed at the top of her voice. ‘I’m not al that drunk. You’re not going to walk out on me just when I’m buying you champagne. Just because I won’t go back to your fusty old bedroom and let you maul me around, you’re not going to leave me flat!’
The people within ear-shot had stopped pretending to listen, and were frankly gaping at Gillis.
‘Shut your mouth!’ he snarled at her, getting to his feet. ‘You’re not fit to go to public places.’