"No," she said, "you mustn't! Not now!" And sat down again hurriedly, wanting not to appear perturbed.
A curious thing happened then to Louis. His lower lip came pursing out like a little shelf and a hitherto unsuspected look of pigginess fattened over his rather plump face.
"You quit butting into me and my wife's affairs, you, or get the hell out of here," he said, without changing his voice or his manner.
She placed her hand to the almost unbearable flutter of her heart.
"Louis! You mustn't talk like that to—me!"
"Don't make me say something I'll regret. You! Only take this tip, you! There's one of two things you better do. Quit trying to come between me and her or—get out."
"I—she's sick."
"Naw, she ain't. Not as sick as you make out. You're trying, God knows why, to keep us apart. I've watched you. I know your sneaking kind. Still water runs deep. You've never missed a chance since we're married to keep us apart. Shame!"
"I—she—"
"Now mark my word, if it wasn't to spare her, I'd have invited you out long ago. Haven't you got any pride?"