Deaves trailed off into explanations that explained nothing. "I intended to come anyway—to tell you—to express how it was—my position is very difficult—you can understand I am sure—to tell you—to tell you how sorry I was to be obliged to let you go."
"Oh, that's all right," said Evan indifferently.
"And then something happened which obliged me to come at once. I was here yesterday, but you were out."
"Yes, I was out all day," said Evan bitterly. "What has happened?"
Deaves wiped his face. "I have had another letter from those blackguards, a—a most dreadful letter!"
"Already?" said Evan.
"And so I came to you at once."
"You will pardon me," said Evan coolly, "but I do not yet see why you should come to me about it—after the manner of our parting."
"I had no one else to go to," said Deaves helplessly.
In spite of himself Evan was a little touched. "Let me see the letter," he said, holding out his hand.