You, of course, may say differently, and I do not know--I am only taking her word for it.

But--if I understand it, your presence in Ohadi has caused a few disagreements between them and--well, you know how willful and headstrong girls will be.

I believe she has committed a few--er--indiscretions with you." "That's a lie!" Fairchild's temper got away from him and his fist banged on the table.

"That's a lie and you know it!" "Pardon me--er--pardon me! I made use of a word that can have many meanings, and I am sure that in using it, I did n't place the same construction that you did in hearing it.

But let that pass.