'Every man does so, once in his life at least, and generally oftener,' said the German; 'but I thought you were too wide awake for that now. With her sadness and her tears this girl is a profound bore to us, even if paid for! I wish you would take some means to cheer her—to please her—if you can.'
'Don't talk to me about the idiotic vagaries of a girl!' snapped Sir Redmond.
'I do not wish to do so, mem Herr; but what would you have me say?' replied Wyburg. 'Look here—it is all stuff and gammon about the Fraulein being your wife. I lived too long in England not to have my eyes opened.'
'Well?'
'You love her in your own fashion, I suppose?'
'And she?'
'Seems to hate you,' replied the German, with a grin.
'Perhaps she is not the first of her sex who has said no when she meant yes.'
'You don't mean to marry her, I suppose?'
'I have a wife, already,' replied Sleath. as he carefully manipulated and prepared a cigar.