"She has never done so."
"It was my fault entirely. I said, on no account; and naturally she gave in."
"Did she wish to mention you to me?"
"Oh yes; but I insisted. I don't exactly know why, but I did, and she gave in. I daresay I was a blockhead, but I hope you will find excuses for me."
"At present I can find none. We shall understand each other if you come to the point."
"I will try to do so, but it is not easy, I assure you Mr. Cohen, after the way I have behaved. Upon second thoughts I do not see, upon my honour I do not see, how you can be expected to find excuses for me. But it does happen sometimes that a fellow meets another fellow who helps a lame dog over the stile. I am the lame dog, you know."
"It may assist you," said Aaron, "if I ask you one question, and if you frankly answer it. Are you a married man?"
"Upon my soul, sir," exclaimed the Honourable Percy Storndale, "I cannot be sufficiently thankful to you. Yes, sir, I am a married man."
"Long married?"
"Four days, Mr. Cohen."