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Show All the Variables & Other Love Stories 32 his way, they sent for Hightower. He came at his leisure in his undershirt and hat, browned by the sun and sucking a cigarette. "Seems to be the problem?" "Ain't got no bone with you," Casabon said. "I mean only to collect my wife, Esperanza Nogales." "That so?" "It is." "Wellsir," Hightower said, "Seems to me she's free to go anytime she pleases. Go home, then. She'll come to you there." "Like hell," Casabon said. "She'll come now." Hightower smiled and shook his head. He said, "Surely, sir, there is a sad knowledge awaits you. You've misunderstood. Esparanza will be home where she pleases." "I won't know it from you," Casabon said. "Let me see her." There was a stir like breathing among the watching women. Their ranks formed a great wing that pulled round Hightower and held him close, and Casabon knew his own heart to be a mockery in this place. He caught panic. Shouted, "You think you know my own wife better than me? You think you done more for her than me? Even though I got a job, and kept it too?" "I'll invite you," said Hightower, "to not raise your voice like that at me again. Remember, friend, you're a guest on my property. You'll stay a gentleman here." He sighed to collect his thoughts. He demurred, humbly, a kindly smile. Said, "These women are here because they want something from me. They do not get it at home. What could it be?" |