"Why, of course she spoke. I tell you, sir, that the girl is just bubbling over with gratitude. And you're a good man, Mr. Brendon. Yes, sir, some. You saved her and you saved me, and I sha'n't forget, and neither will she."
"Yet you said, when last we met, that she meant me harm."
"Jealousy, Mr. Brendon, sheer jealousy. I heard her talking of you, and wishing to marry you, so you can guess----"
"That you wish to put me against her."
"Not exactly that," responded Bawdsey, coolly. "I wish to choke you off. You see, Mr. Brendon, I love her."
"So she told me."
"Quite so, and she informed me that she had informed you. Well, I was a trifle jealous, as I'd lay down my life to make that lady Mrs. Bawdsey. But when I learned that you admired and were almost engaged to Miss Ward----"
"How the devil did you find that out?" asked George.
"Without the use of the word devil," said Bawdsey, dryly. "That is a long story, Mr. Brendon."
"You seem to know a great deal about me," said Brendon, nettled.