Page:Strange Interlude (1928).djvu/101

Rh draw! You’re ghostless and womanless—and as sleek and satisfied as a pet seal!

[She sticks out her tongue at him and makes a face of superior scorn]

Bah! That for you, ’Fraid-cat Charlie, you slacker bachelor!

[She runs to the kitchen door]

I’m going to bum some more coffee! How about you?

[With a forced smile]

No, thank you.

[She disappears into the kitchen]

[Thinking with bitter pain]

Ghostless! if she only knew that joking tone hides her real contempt!

[Self-mockingly]

“But when the girls began to play ’Fraid-cat Charlie ran away!”

[Then rallying himself]

Bosh! I haven’t had such thoughts not since their marriage  happy in her happiness  but is she happy? in the first few months she was obviously playing a part kissed him too much  as if she’d determined to make herself a loving wife  and then all of a sudden she became contented  her face filled out  her eyes lazily examined peace  pregnant  yes, she must be  I hope so. why? for her sake my own, too  when she has a child I know I can entirely accept  forget I have lost her  lost her? silly ass! how can you lose what you never possessed? except in dreams!

[Shaking his head exasperatedly]