“I have not wasted a single minute, monsieur,” he replied. “Besides, I cannot see what that has to do with it.”
“Mademoiselle can tell you,” and I looked at Helga. I think she saw the drift, but she said nothing. Poor girl, she was too overwhelmed by the fiasco of her plans.
“The question is not whether I came soon or late, monsieur,” said Boreski with slow precision, “but who and what you are.”
“That’s exactly what I mean. The very pith of it.”
“I do not understand you, monsieur.”
“That does not trouble me very much; but mademoiselle does.” I was resolved to force her to speak. Besides, my temper was beginning to be tried by Boreski’s manner.
“This is a matter for us as men to settle without bringing Mademoiselle Helga, or any other woman, into it.”
“Rubbish and nonsense,” I said irritably.
“Monsieur!” he exclaimed angrily, “I do not permit any one to address such words to me. You will not explain your imposture by insulting me.”
“Keep your temper with me, if you please, monsieur, or you will only render a bad situation worse.”