It's obvious that if anything useful can be done, I'm the proper person to undertake the job.

Now you understand me, shall I go on ?" Festing nodded.

Charnock's careless good humor had vanished; he looked embarrassed but resolute, as if he meant to carry out a disagreeable task.

This was something new for Bob.
"Very well," the latter resumed.

"In order to clear the ground, do you imagine I'm in love with your wife ?" "I'm sure Helen is not in love with you," Festing rejoined.
"That's much, but we have got to talk about the other side of the matter," said Charnock quietly.