And he looked the other up and down as a man would look a horse up and down.
“I know how you must feel about me,” Womble began.
“Don’t mention it,” Messner broke in with exaggerated cordiality of voice and manner. “Never mind that. What I want to know is how do you find her? Up to expectations? Has she worn well? Life been all a happy dream ever since?”
“Don’t be silly,” Theresa interjected.
“I can’t help being natural,” Messner complained.
“You can be expedient at the same time, and practical,” Womble said sharply. “What we want to know is what are you going to do?”
Messner made a well-feigned gesture of helplessness. “I really don’t know. It is one of those impossible situations against which there can be no provision.”
“All three of us cannot remain the night in this cabin.”
Messner nodded affirmation.
“Then somebody must get out.”