"No—no!—Len, no!"
"Hush, dear, don't get excited again."
"But you must promise ... he—he's only a boy."
"Boy be damned! He's a skunk—he's a loathly little reptile, that's all. He isn't worthy to sweep out your cinders, and he—oh, God, Janey! I'd give my life to-morrow for the privilege of wringing his neck to-night."
"Len, promise me you won't hurt him—I—I shall die if you do."
"Well, I'll promise to leave him alone for the present, because I've got you to look after. I want you to go to sleep, dear. Do you think you could sleep?"
"I'm sure I couldn't."
"You could if I mixed you some nice hot brandy and water. Let me go downstairs and get some."
"Oh, Lenny—I'm frightened of being alone."