.

Was it made at once and directly, or after some preliminary suggestion ?' 'After a bit.

I didn't quite understand at first what she was driving at.' There was a long pause.

With an effort Harold went on: 'Did you accept ?' Leonard hesitated.

With a really wicked scowl he eyed his big, powerfully-built companion, who still had his hand as in a vice.
Then seeing no resource, he answered: 'I did not! That does not mean that I won't, though!' he added defiantly.