"Besides, you know I am as secret as the grave."
"Quite so."
"I introduced you to the Countess, too."
"I know it."
"And I should be very sorry indeed to think that my action should have had any evil consequences."
"I am sure you would."
"Then, my dear fellow, you must really take me a little more into your confidence, and let me help you," said Barker, in the tone of an injured man.
"Perhaps I ought," said Claudius.
"Then why will you not tell me what has happened now?"
"Because I won't," said Claudius, turning sharply on Barker, and speaking in a voice that seemed to make the railings shake. He was evidently on the point of losing his temper, and Barker repented him too late of his attempt to extract the required information. Now he changed his tone.