But the perverse creature continued to exist and to speak.
“I didn’t start out in life to be a cook,” she said, in an ominously calm and reasonable tone. “I’m glad enough to do it for your sake, Johnny; but I’d like you to remember that I’m not used to this kind of life.”
“Yes, yes!” he said soothingly, and continued to smoke and stare at the fire.
“You never even look at me!” she cried suddenly.[Pg 44]
“Yes, but I do!” he protested. “Sure I do!”
He looked at her then, with a smile, and saw that she was crying.
“For the Lord’s sake, what’s the matter?” he asked, with despairing good nature. “I’ll look at you for an hour, if you like; only don’t cry, that’s a good girl!”
She put her handkerchief to her eyes, and went on crying. He swore under his breath, and, getting up, went around the table and put his arm about her.
“Come now!” he said. “You’re as pretty as a picture, and you know I love you.”
“Yes!” she said. “You want to make it up quickly and forget all about me!”