"You beg me to be silent, Mr. Ruston?"
"I desire you not to chatter about me, Mrs. Cormack."
"Ah, what politeness! I shall say what I please," and she rose and stood facing him defiantly.
"I wish," he said, "that I could tell you what they do to gossiping women in Omofaga. It is so very disagreeable—and appropriate."
"Oh, I don't mind hearing."
"I can believe it, but I mind saying."
She flushed, and her breath came more quickly.
"No doubt you will enforce the treatment—in your own interest," she said.
"You won't be there," replied he, with affected regret.
"Well, here I shall say what I please."