She had heard complaint, censure, innuendo, and downright abuse of poor Gus.

These were the first generous words.

They confirmed her judgment, they comforted her heart, they made her feel grateful, even affectionate toward the fop, in spite of his watch-seals, his curled mustache, his straps, his cold eyes, and his artificial smile.

Poor fool you will call her, and poor fool she was.

For she could have thrown herself at the feet of Humphreys, and thanked him for his words.