“But honestly Georgy I’ve got to cut this stuff out. What’ll we do when Gus comes out of the hospital? An I’m neglectin the kid an everythin.”
“Christ I dont care what happens.... Oh Nellie.” He pulled her face round. They clung to each other swaying, mouths furiously mingling.
“Look out we almost had the lamp over.”
“God you’re wonderful, Nellie.” Her head had dropped on his chest, he could feel the pungence of her tumbled hair all through him. It was dark. Snakes of light from the streetlamp wound greenly about them. Her eyes looked up into his frighteningly solemnly black.
“Look Nellie lets go in the other room,” he whispered in a tiny trembling voice.
“Baby’s in there.”
They stood apart with cold hands looking at each other. “Come here an help me. I’ll move the cradle in here.... Careful not to wake her or she’ll bawl her head off.” Her voice crackled huskily.
The baby was asleep, her little rubbery face tight closed, minute pink fists clenched on the coverlet.
“She looks happy,” he said with a forced titter.
“Keep quiet cant you.... Here take yer shoes off.... There’s been enough trampin o men’s shoes up here.... Georgy I wouldn’t do this, but I juss cant help....”