Hymie got an inspiration. "Hey, Louise," he called, "Louise, tell him you can't help what you're like. Your mind was made by God and your body by Fisher. How's that for a wisecrack?"
"Lousy," returned Billy from the white-tiled regions.
Anna drew away from Fred and surveyed Hymie with distaste. "Some people can't have a good time," she remarked, "unless they're being vulgar."
"Well, we do sympathize with you," Hymie said. "That's a terrible affliction, but you're welcome here just the same."
Louise came staggering through the living-room, bedroom bound. Billy had his hand on her shoulder, steering her between chairs and doorways. She was very white and kept moaning, "Oh, I'm so sick. I'm so sick."
"Well, don't die till I get you to the bed," Billy said, cruelly.
Lillian Cory and Theresa followed to the bedroom. There persists a silly notion that you can be of service to a person who is ill from drinking too much. Billy gave Louise a push and she fell on the bed and lay supine and unconcerned about the further success of the party.
Theresa and Lillian stood looking at their friend for a moment; then they turned and looked at each other.
"Well," said Theresa, "your Hubert seems to be having a great time."
"Yes," said Lillian. "He likes the crowd. He is awfully nice. He gave me this." She exhibited her finger, upon which gleamed a ring set with several tiny diamonds and four strips of sapphire.
