"Since you force me to say it," Marc said flatly, "you disgust me. You disgust me through and through."
George glanced up, interested. "Through and through what?" he asked.
Marc's hand slapped hard against the desk. "Now, don't start that!" he grated. "This time, keep your simpering banalities to yourself."
"I only wanted to know...."
"Enough!"
"But if I'm going to do something nice for you," George continued doggedly, "I have to know what's troubling you, don't I? That's why I've been sitting around here half the night and all morning. Ever since midnight, I've been waiting right here for something to turn up that I could help you with."
Marc looked distressed. "Must you help me, George?" he pleaded. "Can't you just go on back to this Council thing of yours and tell them everything's all right. Tell them I love you like a brother. Lie your head off. You can do it. Only, please, please, don't try to help me."
George sank back in his chair with a sigh. "I couldn't do that," he said. "If I did, they'd...."
Suddenly he stopped speaking as a knock sounded on the door. He shot Marc an anxious glance.