They're only awaiting an opportunity; a single flash would be enough to set them in a blaze, even if the fire wasn't lit and smouldering already like a spark in a bale of cotton.

I'd cut the whole thing and clear out if I didn't think it would make it harder for Miss Dows, who would be left alone." "You're a good fellow, Champney," said Courtland, laying his hand on the young man's shoulder with a sudden impulse, "and I forgive you for overlooking any concern that I might have.

Indeed," he added, with an odd seriousness and a half sigh, "it's not strange that you should.

But I must remind you that the Dowses are strictly the agents and tenants of the company I represent, and that their rights and property under that tenancy shall not be interfered with by others as long as I am here.
I have no right, however," he added gravely, "to keep Miss Dows from imperiling them by her social relations." Champney rose and shook hands with him awkwardly.

"The shower seems to be holding up," he said, "and I'll toddle along before it starts afresh.
Good-night! I say--you didn't mind my coming to you this way, did you?
By Jove! I thought you were a little stand-offish at first.