"Ruth!"
"Bailey, _don't_! You don't know how terrible you look when you're
roused."
"Ruth, kindly answer me one question. Aunt Lora informs me that you are
going to marry this man Winfield. Is it or is it not true?"
"Of course it's true."
Bailey drew in his breath. He gazed coldly at Ruth, bowed to Mrs.
Porter, and smoothed the nap of his hat.
"Very good," he said stonily. "I shall now call upon this Mr. Winfield
and thrash him." With that he walked out of the room.
He directed his cab to the nearest hotel, looked up Kirk's address in
the telephone-book, and ten minutes later was ringing the studio bell.
A look of relief came into George Pennicut's eyes as he opened the
door. To George, nowadays, every ring at the bell meant a possible
visit from Lora Delane Porter.
"Is Mr. Kirk Winfield at home?" inquired Bailey.
"Yes, sir. Who shall I say, sir?"
"Kindly tell Mr. Winfield that Mr. Bannister wishes to speak to him."
"Yes, sir. Will you step this way, sir?"
Bailey stepped that way.
* * * * *
While Bailey was driving to the studio in his taxicab, Kirk, in boxing
trunks and a sleeveless vest, was engaged on his daily sparring
exercise with Steve Dingle.
This morning Steve seemed to be amused at something. As they rested, at
the conclusion of their fifth and final round, Kirk perceived that he
was chuckling, and asked the reason.
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