“You are intolerable,” she cried.

“Let’s have an agreement. This cigar will last about twenty minutes or half an hour; suppose you get through with all your nasticisms in that time, and then discuss things soberly.”

“Will you leave the house, M. Denver?”

“Of course I will not—if it means leaving you here. Nothing will shake my resolution to see you through this.”

“But if I tell you that your presence interferes with my plans.”

“Good. Go on.”

“I will not have your help, I say.”

“Very well; go on.”

“I may surely choose whom I will to help me.”

“Of course you may.”