Sypher lighted a cigar, which he smoked in the corner of his mouth, American fashion.
"Well, I'm damned!" he muttered below his breath.
He looked hard at Septimus, intent on his tea drawing.

Then he shifted his cigar impatiently to the other side of his mouth.

"No, I'm damned if I am.
I can't be." "You can't be what ?" asked Septimus, catching his last words.
"Damned." "Why should you be ?" "Look here," said Sypher, "I've rushed in rather unceremoniously into your private affairs.

I'm sorry.

But I couldn't help taking an interest in the two of you, both for your own sake and that of Zora Middlemist." "I suppose you would do anything for her." "Yes." "So would I," said Septimus, in a low voice.