"That's the part I still can't remember. I lost the night from Christmas Eve to Christmas Day. The knot must be part of it. I don't know what or how. All I know is that it terrifies me every time I think of it." "Is Lennox an English name?" "I think so. From way back. What's that have to do with it?" "Puritans," Gabby explained. "You're so moralistic. Always feeling guilty ... like something out of 'The Scarlet Letter.'" "Moralistic," Lennox repeated slowly. "Am I loud?" "Deafening." "And fancy ... elegant?" "Not the phony way you say it; but you have style, Jordan. Yes, you're definitely Edwardian." "Jesus," he muttered and was silent. "Stop feeling guilty. I like big loud men. And elegance is charming. I'm going to make you brocade waistcoats with silver buttons." After a long pause, he said: "Audibon isn't loud." "Oh Jordan...." "I shouldn't bring it up, but I've got to know. What's between you?" "Nothing." "What was?" "Nothing. There never was anything." "Then why did you--?" "Is that kind?" "No. It's jealous. Forgive me. And I do understand. He's strictly the network dazzler." "I wasn't dazzled. I was sorry for him. That's why I thought I loved him." "Sorry for him? Audibon? He's got everything." "He has nothing ... nothing inside. He's lost." "Is that why he won't let you go?" "One of the reasons. Another is that he hates to lose." "How is he stopping you?" "I'm active ... politically. If I try to get a divorce he says he'll ruin me." "That Communist routine?" "Yes." "Christ, what a club that's become for dirty fighters. Are you a Party Member?" "No, Jordan." "Tell the truth, sweetheart. If you're lying you'll give yourself away anyhow." "Suppose I said yes. Would it make a difference?" "It would." "Why?" "Because most of them are the dedicated type. Lunatic fringe. They're one-sided, and I told you I like whole people. Are you a Party Member?" "No, I'm not." Lennox searched her face, then nodded. He was beginning to learn how transparently honest she was. "All the same, I wish you'd quit the politics, Gabby. There must be other things for you to do." Her eyes flashed angrily. "What other things?" "I don't know. Lady things. Take the long view. We've got a whole life to plan together. Go vote at the polls like an honest citizen and let it go at that. You and I are more important than--" "Have you any idea how offensive you're being?" Gabby interrupted. "Offensive?" "I suppose you want me to quit working too, don't you?" "You won't have to work." "I see. You've got it all planned, haven't you? Doesn't it occur to you that I like my work? Doesn't it occur to you that I've got political beliefs? There must be other things for me to do. Lady things. Men and women think differently. You male chauvinist!" "Listen. I want my wife home with me because writing's the loneliest work in the world. What the hell's chauvinistic about that?"