She was absurd with the cigarette between her lips, and she asked mumblingly as Rupert held the match, "Why do you call him that?"
Rupert spread his hands. "He has a reputation."
"And he deserves it," said John.
She took the cigarette and many little pieces of tobacco from her mouth. "Before you go any further, I think I had better tell you that I am married to him."
"Good God!" John said, in a conversational tone.
There was a pause that threatened to be everlasting.
"Helen, dear, did you say 'married to him'?"
"Yes, I did."
Rupert lighted one cigarette from another and carefully threw the old one into the fire.
"When?" John asked. He was still staring at her.