"You must drop at once any further relations with my secretary."
"But, dear," she exclaimed in surprise, "haven't I yet made it clear to you that I don't intend to?"
"I am accustomed to being obeyed, Margaret!"
"By whom? Your wives?"
"Come, come, I want your promise."
"Daniel," she plead with him, "please don't be so tiresome! I am sure that you, clever lawyer that you are, must recognize that my position is quite impregnable and yours weak and indefensible, asking me to be friends with people who 'outen the light' and to cut one with whom I can have such improving conversations as that to which you ignominiously listened just now! Why didn't you honourably close your door? Could you understand our deep remarks, Daniel?"
"I'm waiting for your promise, Margaret."
Again Margaret rose. "I'm hungry and I'm going home."
"Margaret," said Daniel incredulously, "surely you are not deliberately refusing what I ask of you?"
"As surely as I'd refuse to walk a tight-rope at your behest, my lord."