The other's lean face went blank, incredulous. He came a step towards Horning. "Do you know what you're saying, man? Would you actually pass up a chance like this to rid yourself of that harridan you married?"
Horning shifted in his seat. He dodged the other's eyes, not speaking.
"But why? Why won't you? You'll never have another chance like this."
"I don't know why," said Horning. "Or ... maybe I do...." His voice trailed off.
The other took a stand directly before him—feet spread apart, face cold and rocky. "Don't give me that! We're really one—remember? I know how you feel. You want to do it!"
The fury in the man's voice struck an answering spark in Horning. He came up from the chair. "I want to—but I'm not going to! Now get out! And take her"—he gestured towards the other's unconscious wife—"with you!"
His counterpart seemed to grow suddenly taller. "When I'm ready to go, I'll tell you!"
"You'll go now!"
"No!"
Horning started forward.