I fixed my gaze upon him. Avoiding it, he flicked his gloved fingers in the direction of my wife.
"At your service! Pray do not let me inconvenience the lady."
"You do inconvenience the lady greatly."
Both my tone and my manner were severe--as severe, that is, as they could be--considering that I was in my night-shirt sitting up in bed.
"I trust not. I would not wish her to leave the room one moment sooner on our account."
Then I saw what he was at. He wanted to get me alone and without the aid of my wife's moral support to back me. I looked at Lucy. She was standing very straight, looking alternately at both of us, as if she were making up her mind which she ought to admire most--or least. I caught a gleam from the corner of her eye. It was the one I sought.
"I have no secrets from my wife. What you wish to say to me you may say in her presence, and be so good as to say it quickly, sir."
Leaning back in his chair, thrusting his thumbs into the armholes of his waistcoat, the fellow looked at Lucy with a smile upon his impudent face for which I could have struck him--and no doubt I should have struck him, had my health permitted it.
"No secrets from your wife? What a model husband you must be! Permit me, madam, to tender you my most sincere congratulations--you have secured a prize."
My wife said nothing. But I saw her lips curl.