"What folly!" she exclaimed.
"You are right," he admitted.

"I suppose it is the fault of old associations." "In a few minutes," she said, smiling at him, "we should have become sentimental." "I," he admitted, "was floundering already." She shrugged her shoulders.
"You talk as though sentiment were a bog." "There have been worse similes," he declared.
"How horrid! And do you know, sir, for all your indignation you have not yet even inquired after your wife's health." "I trust," he said, "that she is well." "She is in excellent health." "Your second visit to this country," he remarked, "follows very swiftly upon your first." She nodded.
"I am here," she said, "on your account." "You excite my interest," he declared.

"May I know your mission ?" "I have to remind you of your pledge," she said, "to assure you of Lucille's welfare, and to prevent your leaving the country." "Marvelous!" he exclaimed, with a slight mocking smile.

"And may I ask what means you intend to employ to keep me here ?" "Well," she said, "I have large discretionary powers.

We have a very strong branch over on this side, but I would very much rather induce you to stay here without applying to them." "And the inducements ?" he asked.
She took a cigarette from a box which stood on the table and lit one.
"Well," she said, "I might appeal to your hospitality, might I not?
I am in a strange country which you have made your home.