"How cruel you are, dear mademoiselle, to think that such selfish preoccupations should cloud my brow."
"I think that you are a sensible and practical man, that is all."
"Well, this time you deceive yourself. That which troubles me is the downfall of a man whom"--
"The fall of a man? That is curious."
"Very curious."
"Do I know the man?"
"Very well. He is one of your friends."
"Speak, then! Why distil your story drop by drop?"
"It is Jacob."
"A fall! His mother's visit, then?"