You see, we are old friends." "We have known one another some time." Ayre smiled at the implied correction.
"Do you object to plain speaking ?" "That depends on the speaker.

If he has a right, no; if not, yes." "You mean I should have no right ?" "I certainly don't see on what ground." "If not an old friend of yours, as I had hoped to be allowed to rank myself, I am, anyhow, a very old friend of Eugene's." "What has Mr.Lane to do with it ?" "As an old friend of his--" "Excuse me, Sir Roderick; you seem to forget that Mr.Lane is even more than an old friend to me." "He should be, no doubt," said Ayre blandly.
"I shall not listen to this.

No old friendship excuses impertinence, Sir Roderick." "Pray don't be angry.

I have really something to say, and--pardon me--you must hear it." "And what if I refuse ?" "True; I did wrong to say 'must.' You are at perfect liberty.

Only, if you refuse, Eugene must hear it." Kate paused.