"It is down! I can't get it any softer."
"Then shut it off."
"Why should I? I want to—"
"I said shut it off!"
"I want to hear if Van Richie comes on with the news again."
"What kind of foolishness—?"
"Ye Gods, can't a person even breathe around here any more? You're so mad about that lousy painting—"
"Nell." His voice was taut but he didn't shout.
"It is. It's lousy and you know it. That's what makes you so—"
"Nell." He started across the room toward her.