Even if I could listen to you--_I_ can't go behind the scenes.

Mr.Gurnard may differ from me in points, but don't you see ?..." He had walked on slowly, but he came to a halt again.

"We had better put these matters out of our minds.

Of course you are not drunk; but one is tied down in these matters...." He spoke very gently, as if he did not wish to offend me by this closing of the door.

He seemed suddenly to grow very old and very gray.