'I don't understand you, sir,' she answered.

'I don't think this is a joking matter.' Agnes interfered, for the first time.

She drew her chair a little nearer to her legal counsellor and friend.
'What is the most probable explanation, in your opinion ?' she asked.
'I shall offend Mrs.Ferrari if I tell you,' Mr.Troy answered.
'No, sir, you won't!' cried Mrs.Ferrari, hating Mr.Troy undisguisedly by this time.
The lawyer leaned back in his chair.

'Very well,' he said, in his most good-humoured manner.

'Let's have it out.