Well, well, I must not pay compliments.

My friend, Mr.Furneaux, can manage that with much greater facility, being half a Frenchman.

And now I'm going to say an unpleasant thing.

I ask your forgiveness in advance.

Both Mr.Furneaux and I agree in the opinion that your imaginary love affair is indissolubly bound up with the mystery of Miss Melhuish's death.