Luis Longorio was the
sort of man who enjoys a strained situation, and one who shows to
the best advantage under adverse conditions. Accordingly, Ed's
arrival, instead of hastening his departure, merely served to
prolong his stay.
It was growing very late now, and Paloma was frantic. Profiting by
her first opportunity, she whispered to Alaire "For God's sake,
send him away."
Alaire's eyes were dark with excitement, "Yes," said she. "Talk to
him, and give me a chance to have a word alone with Ed."
The opportunity came when Austin went into the dining-room for a
drink. Alaire excused herself to follow him. When they were out of
sight and hearing her husband turned upon her with an ugly frown.
"What's that Greaser doing here?" he asked, roughly.
"He called to pay his respects. You must get him away."
"_I_ must?" Ed glowered at her. "Why don't you? You got him here
in my absence. Now that I'm home you want me to get rid of him,
eh? What's the idea?"
"Don't be silly. I didn't know he was coming and--he must be crazy
to risk such a thing."
"Crazy?" Ed's lip curled. "He isn't crazy. I suppose he couldn't
stay away any longer.
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