"I told you to 'phone her
yesterday morning from the office."
"Yes, I know," agreed Jimmy placidly, "but I forgot it and I just
came over to explain." Alfred's fixed stare was relaxing and at
last Jimmy could breathe.
"Oh," murmured Aggie, with a wise little elevation of her
eye-brows, "then that's why Zoie didn't keep her luncheon
appointment with me yesterday."
Jimmy felt that if this were to go on much longer, he would utter
one wild shriek and give himself up for lost; but at present he
merely swallowed with an effort, and awaited developments.
It was now Alfred's turn to become excited.
"Oh, IS it!" he cried with hysterical laughter.
Aggie regarded him with astonishment. Was this her usually
self-controlled friend?
"Oh, no!" sneered Alfred with unmistakable pity for her
credulity. "That's not why my wife didn't eat luncheon with you.
She may TELL you that's why. She undoubtedly will; but it's NOT
why. Oh, no!" and running his hands through his hair, Alfred
tore up and down the room.
"What do you mean by that?" Aggie asked in amazement.
"Your dear husband Jimmy will doubtless explain," answered Alfred
with a slur on the "dear." Then he turned toward the door of his
study. "Pray excuse me--I'M TOO BUSY," and with that he strode
out of the room and banged the study door behind him.
"Goodness gracious!" gasped Aggie.
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