'Percy, I did not imagine he would use it—make use of it as he has done.'
'Not? And when he paid for it?'
'I fancied it would be merely of general service—if any.'
'Distributed; I see: not leading to the exposure of the communicant!'
'You are harsh; but I would not have you milder.'
The meekness of such a mischief-doer was revolting and called for the lash.
'Do me the favour to name the sum. I am curious to learn what my imbecility was counted worth.'
'No sum was named.'
'Have I been bought for a song?'
'It was a suggestion—no definite . . . nothing stipulated.'