"Most engaged men with a conscience wait until they're married before they return to the gay and frivolous.
But here you are, it seems, handsome, jolly, and irresistible as ever!" Quarrier looked at Lydia, and his lips moved: "You asked me to come," he said.
"No; you offered to.

I wished to talk to you over the wire, but "-- her lip curled, and she shrugged her shoulders--"you seemed to be afraid of something or other." "I couldn't talk to you in my own house, with guests in the room." "Why not?
Did I say anything your fashionable guests might take exception to?
Am I likely to do anything of that kind ?--you coward!" Quarrier stood very still, then noiselessly turned and made one step toward the door.
"One moment," interposed Mortimer blandly.

"As long as I travelled down town to see you, and find you here so unexpectedly, I may as well take advantage of this opportunity to regulate a little matter.

You don't mind our talking shop for a moment, Lydia?
Thank you.

It's just a little business matter between Mr.Quarrier and myself--a matter concerning a few shares of stock which I once held in one of his companies, bought at par, and tumbled to ten and--What is the fraction, Quarrier?
I forget." Quarrier thought deeply for a moment; then he raised his head, looking full at Mortimer, and under his silky beard an edge of teeth glimmered.
"Did you wish me to take back those shares at par ?" he asked.
"Exactly! I knew you would! I knew you'd see it in that way!" cried Mortimer heartily.