"If there is a catastrophe it will be your fault," I cried.
"Really, as I've told you often, you've missed your vocation, Ben," he said with his bitter smile. "You're so romantic. Let's change the subject."
"I won't," I cried. "I'm glad I'm romantic, if that's what it is. I love her a sight better than you ever did, because I have no hopes there myself. I am thinking of her. You think of nothing but yourself and your childish pride!"
"Bravo, Ben!" he said mockingly.
"I can't stand aside and see her marry Mount. He's too old. There's an evil spot in him some place that I can't put my finger on."
"Well, what are you going to do about it?"
"I came to you to get you to let me off my promise to say nothing."
That roused him as nothing else could. He sprang up, his face dark with passion. He actually threatened me with his fist.
"You swore to me!" he cried. "By God! if you break your oath——"
"Keep your hair on," I said. "Am I not here asking you to let me off?"