"You have cheered me more than I can tell you, and I won't ask you any more questions.

Are you sure I am not bringing you out of the way ?" "Not at all," I answered hastily.

"The fact is, I had hoped to have a little chat with you when we had disposed of the 'Thumbograph,' so I can regard myself as combining a little business with a great deal of pleasure if I am allowed to accompany you." She gave me a little ironical bow as she inquired-- "And, in short, I may take it that I am to be pumped ?" "Come, now," I retorted.

"You have been plying the pump handle pretty vigorously yourself.

But that is not my meaning at all.