His companion nudged him impatiently. Isaac moved away. Arnold turned after him.
"You won't deny the right of a man to spend what he earns in the way he likes best?" he asked. "I've had a rise in my salary, and I am going to spend a part of it taking Ruth out."
Isaac laughed scornfully.
"A rise in your salary!" he muttered. "You poor slave! Did you go and kiss your master's foot when he gave it to you?"
"I didn't," Arnold declared. "To tell you the truth, I believe it would have annoyed him. He hasn't any sense of humor, you see. Good night, Isaac. If you're writing one of those shattering articles to-night, remember that Ruth can hear you, and don't keep her awake too late."
Arnold walked on. Suddenly his attention was arrested. Isaac was leaning over the banister of the landing above.
"Stop!"
Arnold paused for a moment.
"What is it?" he asked.
Isaac came swiftly down. He brushed his cloth hat further back on his head as though it obscured his vision. With both hands he gripped Arnold's arm.