'Afraid of him?'
'There are things you might say to him—and with your manner; because you have one when you choose.'
'Very likely, but what is my manner to his? Besides, I have said everything to him. That is I have said the great thing, that he is making her immensely talked about.'
'And of course in answer to that he has asked you how you know, and you have told him I have told you.'
'I had to; and he says it's none of your business.'
'I wish he would say that to my face.'
'He'll do so perfectly, if you give him a chance. That's where you can help me. Quarrel with him—he's rather good at a quarrel, and that will divert him and draw him off.'
'Then I'm ready to discuss the matter with him for the rest of the voyage.'
'Very well; I count on you. But he'll ask you, as he asks me, what the deuce you want him to do.'
'To go to bed,' I replied, laughing.