He put his arm around her waist, his hand on her hip.
"She did kill Miles, angel," he said gently, "offhand, like that."
He snapped the fingers of his other hand.
She escaped from his arm as if it had hurt her.
"Don't, please, don't touch me," she said brokenly.
"I know—I know you're right.
You're right.
But don't touch me now—not now."
Spade's face became pale as his collar.
The corridor-door's knob rattled.
Effie Perine turned quickly and went into the outer office, shutting time door behind her.
When she came in again she shut it behind her.
She said in a small flat voice:
"Iva is here."
Spade, looking down at his desk, nodded almost imperceptibly.
"Yes," he said, and shivered.
"Well, send her in."