"You don't think it advisable to tell her how things are ?" "I ?" The brief word sounded almost hostile.

Max resumed his pacing on the instant.

"I'm not an utter brute, Ratcliffe," he said, "whatever I may appear." Nick sent a cloud of smoke upwards.

"Would you call me a brute if I told her ?" he asked.
"Yes, I should." Curt and prompt came the answer.

"What is more, I won't have it done." "She is a sensible little soul," contended Nick.
"She may be.