"And that is?" asked Derrick.
"To cut and run; to clear out," replied Sidcup. "Oh, don't make any mistake! If you stay on with the company, things between you and Isabel will grow from bad to worse."
"I tell you that it's your fancy, that you exaggerate——"
"She's one of the most beautiful women God ever made," said Sidcup, ignoring Derrick's remonstrance, "and no man could resist for long such a woman, especially when she's gone on him, as Isabel is on you. Yes, there's only one thing for you to do, and that is to clear out as soon as you're able. And if you're the straight man I think you, you'll do it, for her sake—I won't say for mine."
Derrick rose painfully on his elbow.
"By Heaven, Sidcup," he said, in the stifled voice of a man who is deeply moved, "you're a good chap; and, if I go, it will be for your sake. I'd rather cut this hand off than come between a man and the girl he loves."
"Yes, and there's another reason," said Sidcup, with a shake of the head. "Isabel's not the only one; there's Alice."
Derrick's eyes shone angrily now.
"Oh, go to blazes!" he said. "You're out of your mind; you'll be telling me that all the blessed women in the company——"
"Well, we'll let her go," said Sidcup, "though it's the truth. What are you going to do?"