But you must have been crazy,’ cried Edith brokenly. ‘I thought you were going to fix it all up there and shake hands. That’s why I went away.’
‘Did you want us to fix it up?’
‘Of course not, I never want to see them again. But I thought of course that was what you were going to do.’ She was touching the bruises on his neck and back with iodine as he sat placidly in a hot bath. ‘I’m going to get the doctor,’ she said insistently. ‘You may be hurt internally.’
He shook his head. ‘Not a chance,’ he answered. ‘I don’t want this to get all over the town.’
‘I don’t understand yet how it all happened.’
‘Neither do I.’ He smiled grimly. ‘I guess these baby parties are pretty rough affairs.’
‘Well, one thing — ’ suggested Edith hopefully, ‘I’m certainly glad we have beef steak in the house for tomorrow’s dinner.’
‘Why?’
‘For your eye, of course. Do you know I came within an ace of ordering veal? Wasn’t that the luckiest thing?’
Half an hour later, dressed except that his neck would accommodate no collar, John moved his limbs experimentally before the glass. ‘I believe I’ll get myself in better shape,’ he said thoughtfully. ‘I must be getting old.’
‘You mean so that next time you can beat him?’
‘I did beat him,’ he announced. ‘At least, I beat him as much as he beat me. And there isn’t going to be any next time. Don’t you go calling people common any more. If you get in any trouble, you just take your coat and go home. Understand?’
‘Yes, dear,’ she said meekly. ‘I was very foolish and now I understand.’
Out in the hall, he paused abruptly by the baby’s door.
‘Is she asleep?’
‘Sound asleep. But you can go in and peek at her — just to say good night.’