“You’re — a good actor, Barney,” said Valancy, with a wan little smile.

Barney looked at her.

“So you don’t believe me — yet?”

“I — can’t.”

“Oh — damn!” said Barney violently.

Valancy looked up startled. She had never seen this Barney. Scowling! Eyes black with anger. Sneering lips. Dead-white face.

“You don’t want to believe it,” said Barney in the silk-smooth voice of ultimate rage. “You’re tired of me. You want to get out of it — free from me. You’re ashamed of the Pills and the Liniment, just as she was. Your Stirling pride can’t