"So YOU'RE the one." Hammon showed his teeth in a sardonic smile.
"I'm the one what?" inquired Jim, with a sickly attempt at pleasantry.
"By God! What does she see in YOU?" Hammon measured the young man with contemptuous curiosity.
"Don't be an ass, Jarvis," began Lilas. "I—"
She was interrupted roughly. "That's precisely what I don't intend to be; and I don't intend that Bob shall be one, either." He turned to young Wharton. "What are you doing here, my boy?" he asked.
"Just stopped in for a minute. You'll find all the bric-a-brac in its place."
"Now don't get funny. I'm sorry to see you with these grafters." Hammon indicated Jim and Lorelei with a nod.
"Eh? What's that?" Bob stiffened, and Jim murmured an indignant protest.
"You heard me. They're grafters, and you'd better cut loose from them."
"Wait a minute. Lorelei's my wife. 'S true, Jarvis."