He pressed Jim’s shoulder.
“That is unlikely” Jim replied bitterly.
There was silence in the room and then the telephone bell rang.
*
“Jim – Jim – don’t let him – don’t let him touch me – You must not kiss me, I belong to Jim! – Andrew, Andrew, speak to me – Andrew’s dead, he is dead I tell you – my dear, dear friend! – Tell Jim to come, he must take me away – No, Jim is married, he cannot come –
“Would you like to dance with me? – Oh, come on! I will soon teach you – there, that is fine – Oh no, we don’t have any pay, only our tips – Yes, that’s all – if people are kind.
“Don’t, Paul, don’t – you cannot take it all! Not all that – leave me just something – please, Paul! – Oh, God, I, cannot pay the rent – please help me to pay the rent. I must have money by tomorrow – let me find a
