The slight cast I had noticed in his blue eyes became oddly accentuated.
"'The Diamond Gate,'" he said, peering at me uncannily, "was just a pretty amateur story.

The new book is going to stagger the soul of humanity." "I wish you weren't such a secretive devil," said I."What's the book about?
Tell an old friend.

Get it off your mind.

It will do you good." I put my arm round his shoulders and my hand gave him an affectionate grip.

My heart ached for the dear fellow, and I longed, in the plain man's way, to break down the walls of reserve, which like those of the Inquisition Chamber, I felt were closing tragically upon him.
"Come, come," I continued.