All I mean to say is that Alixe was always nervous and high-strung; odd at times; eccentric--_more_ than merely eccentric--" "You mean dippy ?" "Oh, Austin, you're horrid.

I mean that there is mental trouble in that family.

You have heard of it as well as I; you know her father died of it--" "The usual defence in criminal cases," observed Austin, flicking his cigarette-end into the grate.

"I'm sorry, dear, that Alixe has the jumps; hope she'll get over 'em.

But as for pretending I've any use for her, I can't and don't and won't.