Page:Firecrackers a realistic novel.pdf/182

 hand, if you fail to apply the match, the bunch remains a collection of separate entities, having no connection one with any other. Explosions which create relationships are sporadic and terminating, but if you avoid the explosions you perdurably avoid intercourse. And now, he said, I think I'm hungry.

At this moment, Mrs. Johns appeared in the doorway. Gareth glared at her.

Gareth dear, she urged, you know that you have so much to do tomorrow.

Can't you see that I'm taking Mrs. Lorillard to supper? was the great author's impatient rejoinder.

That man from the Saturday Evening Post is coming at nine o'clock, she reminded him.

To hell with him!

Why don't you come to supper with us, Campaspe suggested, and then take your husband home?

Before this invitation, Gareth immediately became more reasonable. There, Bella, he cajoled her, I'll be with you shortly. I've something more to say to Mrs. Lorillard.

You won't be too long, dear, the little woman pleaded before she awkwardly retired.

Always trying to make me go home, Gareth grumbled.

She probably knows what's good for you.

Good Lord, yes, but I don't want to do what's good for me.

In the supper-room upstairs, they were joined