It will be a Western matter." Her frightened sigh of relief turned her voice to a whisper: "Has Stuyve--has a certain relative--annoyed you since I've been away ?" "Yes, over the telephone, drunk, as usual." "Did he make--make any more threats, Jack ?" "The usual string.

Where is he ?" "I don't know," she said; "he hasn't been home in a week, they tell me.
Jack, do you think it safe for you to drop in here for a few moments before dinner ?" "Just as you say.

If he comes in, there may be trouble.

Which isn't a good idea, on your account." No woman in such circumstances is moved very much by an appeal to her caution.
"But I want to see you, Jack," she said miserably.
"That seems to be the only instinct that governs you," he retorted, slightly impatient.

"Can't you ever learn the elements of prudence?
It seems to me about time that you substituted common sense for immature impulse in dealing with present problems." His voice was cold, emotionless, unpleasant.