He was conscious that he had somehow played all his cards badly, and he wanted another opening.

"You're misunderstanding me altogether! I never said--never inferred--that I wouldn't save Ransford." "Then, if there's need, which I don't admit, you acknowledge that you could save him ?" she exclaimed sharply.

"Just as I thought.

Then, if you're an honest man, a man with any pretensions to honour, why don't you at once! Any man who had such feelings as those I've just mentioned wouldn't hesitate one second.

But you--you!--you come and--talk about it! As if it were a game! Dr.Bryce, you make me feel sick, mentally, morally sick." Bryce had risen to his feet when Mary rose, and he now stood staring at her.