"Speaking of 'things,' Mary tells me that Nick is like a keg of dynamite ready to explode at the first spark. She says you're bearing up under the strain marvelously. You've won her wholehearted approval," he added quietly. "I like her too," Lauren said, her eyes clouding at the mention of Nick. Jim waited until she had left to go upstairs,then he picked up his telephone and punched four numbers. "Mary, what's the atmosphere like up there this morning?" "Positively explosive," she chuckled. "Is Nick going to be in the office this afternoon?" "Yes,why?" "Because I've decided to light a match under him and see what happens." "Jimmy,don't!" she said in a low, sharp voice. "See you a little before five, beautiful," he laughed, ignoring her wanring."