John.
[With an effort.] I am sorry to hear, Mr. Fraser, that you have been annoyed, while a visitor at my house, by the persistency of my cough.
Fraser.
If I could have assured myself, Mr. Allingham, that your cough was a genuine one, it would not, however violent and grave its attacks, have occasioned me the smallest concern.
John.
I admit the cough was not genuine. I employed it as a sign that I was at hand should you wish to have an explanation with me.
Fraser.
The invitation might have been more explicitly phrased.
John.
It was clear enough for most men. At any rate, I hope the invitation is sufficiently plain now.