I subsided although I was inwardly much perturbed at my husband's singular attitude. It seemed as though each day was bringing some new disillusion.
A few nights later Mr. Tucker suggested that instead of going out for the evening we send for beer and sandwiches at his expense and en* joy ourselves at home. Vernon seconded the idea with enthusiasm and immediately volunteered to go after the necessary ingredients. Supplied with money by the always accommodating Mr. Tucker he put on his hat and coat and went out.
"Girlie," said Mr. Tucker as soon as we were alone, "There's nothing I wouldn't do for you."
"Thank you, Mr. Tucker."
"You know, I think a lot of Vernie, but I think a lot of you, too."
"Yes, I know you are a good friend to Vernon, Mr. Tucker."
He arose, drew his chair closer to mine, placed his hand on my knee familiarly, and continued:
"I know you're kind of up against it here. A sweet little girl like you ought not to be working. What Vernie needs is somebody to back him up, and I'm the chappie that's going to do it."
He patted my knee affectionately.
"I'm sure my husband will appreciate anything you do for him."
"And you … ? ?" he whispered sentimentally, and at the same time his hand dropped down over the calf of my leg and began to squeeze it.
There was an implication in his words I didn't like. Also his act in feeling my leg in such a famliar manner aroused my anger. Moving my chair sufficiently to dislodge his hands, I said coldly:
"I am Vernon's wife, Mr. Tucker." After a long delay Vernon returned with bottled stout, sandwiches, cheese and other comestibles.
"Well, how did you folks get along while I was gone?" he exclaimed breezily. "You know, George/ he continued,-shaking his finger with a waggish gesture, "I wouldn't trust Eeedy alone with anybody but you!"
"Damned if I didn't think you'd be safe in trusting her with pretty near anyone." responded Mr. Tucker sourly, whereupon my husband cast a sharp glance in my direction.
"You two haven't been quarreling, have you?"
"Of course we haven't been quarreling, Vernon! Mr. Tucker has been telling me how much he thinks of you."
The bottles were opened, and under the mellowing influence of the liquid contents the momentary tension relaxed and Mr. Tucker and Vrnon were soon in a good humor again. Before the evening was over I received another shock for my husband told a story which although it convulsed Mr. Tucker with laughter, suffused my face with shame at hearing it in his presence.
"Vernie, you oughtn't to tell such stories in front of Eedy! Just look how she's blushing!" Mr. Tucker exclaimed, gleefully.
As soon as he was gone, Vernon's good humor and gaiety vanished.
"What did you do to George to make him peeved while I was gone?" he asked, turning angrily to me.
"I didn't do anything to him, Vernon dear. He put his hand on my leg, underneath my dress, and I moved my chair, that was all."
"I'd like to know," he exclaimed, furiously, "why you're so damned finniky with George!"
"But, Vernon!" I protested, almost speechless with surprise, "You surely don't approve of him taking such liberties as that, do you?"
"Oh, what the hell does it amount to? He isn't going to eat you!"
I stared at him wide eyed and, changing his tones, he added coaxingly:
"Say, Eedie, why don't you loosen up a bit with George? He could do a lot for us, if you'd be more sensible. There's nothing in all this damn prudery. It isn't going to get us any place!"
As I listened to these strange words, scarcely able to believe my ears, a terrible comprehension began to dawn on me and suddenly an explanation of many things which had hitherto puzzled me made itself apparent.
I looked at him steadily, and for the first time I saw him in his true light, a weakling, a selfish, spineless mah from whom the last bit of artificial gilt was gone. And in an instant every shred of affection faded away and in its place, at the recollection of all I had lost, came a cold determined longing to revenge myself.
Even as I looked at him a plan, suggested by his own words, half formulated itself in my mind.
With simulated calmess, I said softly:
"Vernon, let's get things straight. Just what is it you want me to do to help you? Do you want me to let Mr. Tucker fuck me?"
His face flushed at hearing the ugly word, but deceived by my apparent tranquility, he replied:
"Well, Eedy, George is a good scout. You could loosen up a bit with him. Of course …" he added virtuously, "I wouldn't want any other chap fooling with you . . . ."
"Vernon, was that why you went out tonight? You don't have to hide anything from me. Now that we understand each other, I'm going to help you but I want to know just exactly what I'm expecting to do. You've already told Mr. Tucker he could do it with me, haven't you?"
Still deceived by the suavity of my tones, he answered:
"Well . . . not exactly, but there wouldn't be any great harm if you came through to him once or twice and it would put us on easy street!"
"Very well, Vernon. That's what I wanted to know. I'll do it. But the next time you arrange it, don't go out. It isn't necessary and besides, I'm afraid of him. If you want me to let
him do it with me, you must stay in the room." "But, Eedy! That wouldn't be decent! he exclaimed, in surprise. "He wouldn't hurt you! What would he think if I was sticking around ?" "You leave that to me, Vernon. You'll have to be here, or I won't let him touch me."
"Well," he agreed, doubtfully, "we'll fix. it some way."
Chapter VIII
The following day when I returned from the store I found that Vernon had prepared supper, something which was generally left for me to do and I guessed the significance of this unusual attention. But my plans were complete, and I was ready to go ahead with them.
"Seen Mr. Tucker to-day, Vernon?"
He nodded his head affirmatively, without looking at me.
"Everything fixed for to-night?"
"Why … ah … I guess George will be in, after dinner."
"All right, Vernon, dearest. As soon as we finish dinner you can go. out and get some wine.. Get plenty. And while you're gone I'll bathe and put on my prettiest things."
"You don't need to dress up especially for Geoi-ge." he said, with a shade of resentment in his voice at my cheerfulness.
"You want me to look nice, don't you?" I asked.
"Yes …" he answered eyeing me doubtfully, "But he's getting enough as it is, without extra trimmings!"
'Well, you get the wine, and leave the rest to me."
It was evident that my husband unexpected enthusiasm had somewhat dampened his spirits. He had supposed that my submission to this man would be in the nature of a sacrifice to necessity, an in his egotism had taken it for granted that to me it would be only a disagreeable incident. Rejoicing inwardly at his discomfiture, I looked forward with bitter pleasure to what was yet in store for him.
When he had gone I hurriedly packed a suite-case with my belongings, leaving out only such articles of apparel and toilet as would be needed that night, and pushed the suitcase out of sigh under the bed. Then, I bathed, and dressed myself in the prettiest garments of my modest wardrobe. I arranged my hair, powdered my face, and touched up my lips. My whole being seemed to have undergone a complete physical and mental evolution, and as I gazed into the face which looked back at me from the mirror, I was amazed at the transformation. I felt as though a heavy and long sustained load Jiad suddenly been lifted from my shoulders and with its going the depressions, disappointments, deceptions of the past year had gone, too. I felt as a prisoner must feel upon release, after weary months of confinement. A wave of exhilaration passed over me.
Vernon returned, placed the liquor in the kitchen and stood watching me moodily. The daintiness and coquetry of my dress was plainly irritating to him. Though I was acceeding to his own suggestion to prostitute myself for his benefit, it hurt his vanity to see me making what appeared to be an excessively elaborate preparation for the event.