"I do not transact any business with you," said Wilson. "And there is no other matter in which we can be mutually interested. Let me pass, please."
"You cannot pass until you have heard what I have said to you. I am sorry to have to meet you in this way——"
"Not so sorry as I am!" interrupted Wilson. "Still, I will hear you. What is it?" He spoke as though Paul were a persistent beggar, and seemed to regard him as a millionaire might regard a pauper.
"It's this," said Paul. "I noticed in the Brunford Gazette this morning that you are engaged to marry Miss Mary Bolitho."
"And what then?" said the other. "I do not discuss such matters with men of your class."
"It must be contradicted immediately," said Paul quietly. Wilson looked at Paul in astonishment. "I think you must be out of your mind!" he said.
"No, no; I am sane enough. Will you write a letter to the editor, denying this rumour, or must I?"
"In Heaven's name, why should I?"
"I know it's not true"—and Paul still spoke quietly—"that is why this paragraph must be contradicted at once."
Wilson laughed as though he were enjoying a joke, but it was easy to see that he was far from comfortable. He did not like Paul's quiet way of talking. He did not understand the tone of his voice.