"No, Joe; not—to-night."
"Sorry to hear it," said Mr. Kirby, flecking an inch of cigar-ash to the table-top. "Fine rig-up, with due respect to the lady, your missis is wearing to-night."
"The wife ain't so short on looks, is she?"
"Blutch!"
"You know my sentiments about her. They don't come no ace-higher."
She colored, even quivered, standing there beside the bronze Nydia.
"I tell her we're out for big business to-night, Joe."
"Sky's the limit. Picked up a pin pointin' toward me and sat with my back to a red-headed woman. Can't lose."
"Well, good-night, Babe. Take care o' yourself."
"Good night, Blutch. You'll play 'em close, honey?"