i eyed him in astonishment , but he 'd already turned away to tell frank about how we 'd gone a whole week without eating anything but fish . his niece had to take priority over his own feelings . `` your wine and your meal if you have one tonight will be on the house . '' `` you have seen what i have become . she ca n't be around for this . maybe no one needs this kind of baggage . he 's telling me this is n't him . 