"Do you want anything?"
"Well, yes and no," said Sigsbee.
Mrs. Waddington was exasperated to perceive at this point that her grave matrimonial blunder was slithering about the parquet floor in the manner of one trying out new dance-steps.
"Stand still!" she cried.
"I can't," said Sigsbee H. "I'm too nervous."
Mrs. Waddington pressed a hand to her throbbing brow.
"Then sit down!"
"I'll try," said Sigsbee doubtfully. He tested a chair, and sprang up instantly as if the seat had been charged with electricity. "I can't," he said. "I'm all of a twitter."
"What in the world do you mean?"
"I've got something to tell you and I don't know how to begin."