But truly," and he beamed, "you are such a tough customer to deal with and so suspicious--no offense meant, of course--that I really was forced to it.

I--feel sure she will forgive me." "Whom do you mean by 'she' ?" Mr.Barnham smiled in a knowing manner.
"You and I both know," came his cryptic answer.

"She is your one great, good friend.

She thinks a great deal of you, and you have done several things to cause that admiration.

Now, Mr.Fairchild, coming to the point, suppose she should point a way out of your troubles ?" "How ?" "In the first place, you and your partner are in very great difficulties." "Are we ?" Fairchild said it sarcastically.
"Indeed you are, and there is no need of attempting to conceal the fact.