Mrs. Winnie flushed angrily, and stared at him. “Why do you come here unannounced?” she cried.
“I apologize,” he said—“but I found this in my mail—”
And Montague, in the act of rising to greet him, saw that he had the offensive clipping in his hand. Then he saw Duval give a start, and realized that the man had not been aware of his presence in the room.
Duval gazed from Montague to his wife, and noticed for the first time her tears, and her agitation. “I beg pardon,” he said. “I am evidently trespassing.”
“You most certainly are,” responded Mrs. Winnie.
He made a move to withdraw; but before he could take a step, she had brushed past him and left the room, slamming the door behind her.
And Duval stared after her, and then he stared at Montague, and laughed. “Well! well! well!” he said.
Then, checking his amusement, he added, “Good evening, sir.”
“Good evening,” said Montague.
He was trembling slightly, and Duval noticed it; he smiled genially. “This is the sort of material out of which scenes are made,” said he. “But I beg you not to be embarrassed—we won’t have any scenes.”