And you don't know everything about everything else, either--about summonses and lawsuits, for example." And he cast an exultant look at his superintendent.
But Malcourt let him tell the news in his own way; and he did, imparting it in bits with naive enjoyment, apparently utterly unconscious that he was doing exactly what his superintendent had told him to do.
"You _are_ a diplomat, aren't you ?" said Malcourt with a weary smile.
"A little, a little," admitted Portlaw modestly.

"I merely mentioned these things--" He waved his hand to check any possible eulogy of himself from Malcourt.

"I'll merely say this: that when I make up my mind to settle anything--" He waved his hand again, condescendingly.
"That man," thought Malcourt, "will be done for in a year.

Any woman could have had him; the deuce of it was to find one who'd take him.

I think she's found." And looking up blandly: "Porty, old fellow, you're really rather past the marrying age--" "I'll do what I please!" shouted Portlaw, exasperated.
Malcourt had two ways of making Portlaw do a thing; one was to tell him not to, the other the reverse.