"No more did I." Cai filled and lit his pipe in silence. His conscience troubled him a little. "Well," said he, dropping into his arm-chair, "the matter's settled one way or another, so far as we're consarned. The letters are in the post, and there's no gettin' them out unless by Act o' Parliament. I don't mind tellin' you just what I said, if you think 'twould be fairer-like."
"I'm agreeable."
"You won't take it amiss that I pitched it pretty strong?"
"Not at all," answered 'Bias. "Come to that, I pitched it pretty strong myself."
Cai smiled tolerantly, and felt for the rough draft in his pocket. He fished it forth, unfolded the paper, and spread it on his knee under the lamp-light. Then, having adjusted his glasses, he picked up his pipe again.
"I just started off," said he, "by hintin' that she might be a bit surprised at hearin' from me."
"That's true enough," agreed 'Bias. "She'll be more'n surprised, if I'm not mistaken."
"I don't see why."
"Don't you? . . . Well, no offence. It's a very good way to begin. In fact," said 'Bias in a slightly patronising tone, "it's pretty much how I began myself. Only I went on quick to hope she wasn't—how d'ye call it?"
"I don't know what word you used. I should have said affronted,' if I take your meanin'."