She studied Kerrigan’s face. “Please don’t be offended.”
He spoke a trifle louder. “I said it’s all right.”
“Sure it’s all right,” Channing said. “Why shouldn’t it be all right?”
She looked at Channing. “You be quiet,” she said. “Just sit there and drink your whisky and don’t say anything. You’re in no condition to say anything.”
Channing sat up stiffly. He stared off to the side, his eyes focused on nothing. “What do you know about my condition?”
She didn’t bother to answer. She turned to Kerrigan. “May I introduce myself? I’m Loretta Channing.”
“That means a lot to him,” Channing said. “It’s very important that he should know your name. Why don’t you give him your address? Tell him he’s welcome any time. Invite him to dinner.”
She went on looking at Kerrigan.
And Channing said, “He doesn’t think you mean it. You’ve got to make it more sincere. Don’t stand there looking down at him. Sit beside him.”
“I told you to be quiet.”