"Will the master be staying for dinner, Mrs. Tompkins?" she asked.
"Of course I will, Mary," I said. "Is there enough to eat?"
"I'll see, sir," she replied in a manner which was practically an insult to us both.
"And keep a civil tongue in your head," I added.
She handed it back to me. "And keep your hands to yourself, sir," she said as she closed the door.
"Winnie." It was Jimmie's hand restraining me, as I started up.
"Let her go!" I said at last. "It's my fault, I guess. I haven't been happy and I did make a few passes. From now on, I'll try to be a bit more decent and livable. God knows I have plenty to be ashamed of, but nothing disgraceful ... I hope."
"So do I," my wife began. "If you...."
The telephone rang.
She picked up the receiver and listened for a moment, frowning.