I could not have believed it came from my companion.

But no other soul was near us, though I looked all ways.

It was the merriest laughter imaginable, only the merriment was harsh and hard.
"Oh, thank you, Captain Clephane! You are too delicious! I saw it coming; I only wondered whether I could contain myself until it came.
Yet I could hardly believe that even you would commit yourself to that finishing touch of impudence! Certainly it is an opportunity, _his_ being out of the way.

_You_ were not long in making use of it, were you?
It will amuse him when he comes down, though it may open his eyes.

I shall tell him everything, so I give you warning.