"Why, Jim, whatever——"
"His name," he said, in a terrible whisper—"tell me his other name."
"Don't, Jim; you are silly——"
"Quick!" said Gray. "Name! name!"
Mrs. Gray gasped. "I don't—Jim——"
"Is it Early," said Jim; "George Early?"
"Of course. You must be crazy, going on like that!"
Gray released his hold and stared blankly at the carpet. Then he gave vent to his feelings in an outburst of invectives, which, being unintelligible to his wife, put that lady into a high state of indignation. What might have been a scene was dispelled by the rattle of a key in the front lock. Mrs. Gray swept out of the room, and a minute later her husband and George Early had the sitting-room to themselves.
"Good evening," said George, sweetly.
"Good evening," said Gray.