MARCUS (with deep despair in his voice). "Perfectly free, sir. I admit your rights. And I hereby pledge myself not to intrude upon you or her--at least, until you are convinced of the great injustice of your conduct toward me, and invite me again to your house. But there is one thing more!"
THE INVENTOR (impatiently). "One thing more! will this dialogue never end? Well, sir. What the devil is it?" Then he added, as if aware of the coarseness and gross impropriety of that expression. "Excuse me, sir, but it is late, and my machine is waiting."
MARCUS (slowly and firmly). "One moment, sir. I have sworn my innocence before God, with the most solemn oath known to man. I may have misconstrued your remarks, but I thought you still doubted me. It is my misfortune to be extremely sensitive upon the point of honor. Having relinquished your acquaintance and that of--of--your daughter, it is now my duty to ask whether you presume to question my oath?"
THE INVENTOR (with increased impatience). "Why should I be bored with this cross-examination? I have never said I doubted your oath."
MARCUS (quickly). "That is not an answer. Do you believe me, or disbelieve me? Am I a liar and perjurer, or not? In one word; yes, or no!"
THE INVENTOR (laughing nervously). "Will you bully me in my own house, sir? There is the door. Out of it!"
There was a noise like the opening of a door.
MARCUS (between his teeth). "Never, sir. Never, until you retract your imputation upon my honor."
THE INVENTOR (losing all control of himself). "Curse your honor. If you had been more careful of it in your native village--where you are best known--it would not trouble you now. Come, there are the stairs."
MARCUS. "Once more. Do you believe my oath, or not?"