Tetlow's fat, smooth, pasty face of the overfed, underexercised professional man became a curious exhibit of alarm and obstinacy.
"You've got to promise me you'll keep away from her—except at the office—for say, a week. Then—we'll see."
Tetlow debated.
"It's highly improbable that anyone else will discover these irresistible charms. There's no one else hanging round?"
"No one, as I told you the other day, when you questioned me about her."
Norman shifted, looked embarrassed.
"I hope I didn't give you the impression I was ashamed of loving her or would ever be ashamed of her anywhere?" continued Tetlow, a very loverlike light in his usually unromantic eyes. "If I did, it wasn't what I meant—far from it. You'll see, when I marry her, Norman. You'll be congratulating me."
Norman sprang up again. "This is plain lunacy, Tetlow. I am amazed at you—amazed!"
"Get acquainted with her, Mr. Norman," pleaded the subordinate. "Do it, to oblige me. Don't condemn us——"
"I wish to hear nothing more!" cried Norman violently. "Another thing. You must find her a place in some other office—at once."