"No! No! But still—"
"Well, say your say!"
The tone was full of indulgence, but, also, it was touched with subtler things. This unexpected invasion had pleased and flattered Blake; it spoke an influence used on his behalf that he dared not have claimed—dared not have expected.
Max walked to the window, looked down an instant into the brilliant, sunlit street, came back to Blake's side, all with a swift impulsiveness.
"Ned, I am the same friend—the same comrade?"
"Indeed, yes!"
"But you do not think I possess a soul?"
Blake, taken unawares, colored like any boy.
"Oh, come!"
"But it is true. I know, for I have been told. And you are wrong—quite wrong."