“What!” exclaimed Jimmy, and he felt himself getting onto his feet.
“I've already denied it to Alfred,” continued Zoie. “I told him I'd never been in that restaurant without him in all my life, that the waiter had mistaken someone else for me.” And again she turned her back upon Jimmy.
“But don't you see,” protested Jimmy, “this would all be so very much simpler if you'd just own up to the truth now, before it's too late?”
“It IS too late,” declared Zoie. “Alfred wouldn't believe me now, whatever I told him. He says a woman who lies once lies all the time. He'd think I'd been carrying on with you ALL ALONG.”
“Good Lord!” groaned Jimmy as the full realisation of his predicament thrust itself upon him.
“We don't DARE tell him now,” continued Zoie, elated by the demoralised state to which she was fast reducing him. “For Heaven's sake, don't make it any worse,” she concluded; “it's bad enough as it is.”
“It certainly is,” agreed Jimmy, and he sank dejectedly into his chair.
“If you DO tell him,” threatened Zoie from the opposite side of the table, “I'll say you ENTICED me into the place.”
“What!” shrieked Jimmy and again he found himself on his feet.
“I will,” insisted Zoie, “I give you fair warning.”
He stared at her in absolute horror. “I don't believe you've any conscience at all,” he said.
“I haven't,” she sniffled. “I'm too miserable.” And throwing herself into the nearest armchair she wept copiously at the thought of her many injuries.
Uncertain whether to fly or to remain, Jimmy gazed at her gloomily. “Well, I'M not laughing myself to death,” he said.
For answer Zoie turned upon him vehemently. “I just wish I'd never laid eyes on you, Jimmy,” she cried.
Jimmy was wishing the very same thing.
“If I cared
Prev.
Back
Top