He remained standing.
And Cathewe had no wish to sit.

"I never expected to see you in this house." "A compliment which I readily return." "A private secretary; I never thought of you in that capacity." "One must take what one can," tranquilly.
"A good precept." Cathewe rolled the ends of his mustache, a trifle perplexed how to put it.

"But there should be exceptions.

What," and his voice became crisp and cold, "what was Hildegarde von Mitter to you ?" "And what is that to you ?" "My question first." "I choose not to answer it." Again they eyed each other like fencers.
"Were you married ?" Breitmann laughed.

Here was his opportunity to wring this man's heart; for he knew that Cathewe loved the woman.