"Why did you want it? Why are you pale, Wetter?"
He put his cigar in his mouth and smoked fiercely, but did not answer.
"You must have wanted it," I said, "or you wouldn't have tried to get it in that way."
"My God, I did want it."
"Why?"
"If I can't have it, what matter?" He rose to his feet and bowed. "Good-bye, sire," said he. Then he gave a curious laugh. "Moriturus te saluto," he added, laughing still.
"What's the matter, man?" I cried, springing up and catching him by the arm.
"I haven't a shilling in the world; my creditors are in full chase; I'm posted for a card debt at the club. If I had this I could borrow. Good God, you promised it to her!"
"Yes, I promised it to her."
"Have you seen her again?"