He seemed wrapped in abstract thought.
"I wonder if I could induce you to change your mind," he said.
"I am quite sure that you could not." "Still, I am going to try.

You are a great admirer of my wife, I believe, Mr.Wingate ?" Wingate frowned slightly.
"I prefer not to discuss Lady Dredlinton with you," he said curtly.
"Still, you won't mind going so far as to say that you are an admirer of hers ?" the latter persisted.
"Well ?" "You are probably her confidant in the unfortunate differences which have arisen between us ?" "If I were, I should not consider it my business to inform you." "Your sympathy is without doubt on her side ?" Wingate changed his attitude.
"Look here," he said, "this subject is not of my choosing.

I should have preferred to avoid it.

Since you press me, however, I haven't the faintest hesitation in saying that I look upon your wife as one of the sweetest and best women I ever knew, married, unfortunately, to a person utterly unworthy of her." Dredlinton started in his place.

A little streak of colour flushed up to his eyes.
"What the devil do you mean by that ?" "Look here," Wingate expostulated, "you can't threaten me, Dredlinton.
You asked for what you got.