"How should I well know it? It is not my custom to accept men as they present themselves. I judge for myself. Man is a study. I study him, and each one who crosses my path and enters, for a time short or long, into my life, affords me scope for observation and contemplation. As you have done."
"As I have done," said Chaytor, moodily.
"As you have done," repeated Gilbert.
"I suppose I may make one observation."
"One! A dozen--a hundred. What you say shall be attentively received. Be sure of that."
"I recall," said Chaytor, "a conversation we had. You said you would not pry into my secrets, and expressed a desire that I should not pry into yours."
"I remember. I said also something about our cupboards with their skeletons, and that each should keep his key."
"Yes--and you concluded with these words: 'What I choose to reveal, I reveal; as with you. Beyond that boundary we do not step.' I am correct in the quotation, I think?"
"It is freely admitted. You have a retentive memory, and my observations must have made an impression upon you."
"I have not," said Chaytor, "attempted to pry into your secrets. Why do you attempt to pry into mine?"