"But how dishonorable, how infamous!"
"Oh, it's done every day; it's common, my dear; if the man's straight it can't hurt him--but if he has anything to hide, why, we turn on the search-light, and find out what's wrong.--It's all done secretly; he won't know; don't worry about that.--I expect a full report in a few days, and would rather not have you here when I get it."
"And do you think that's fair or right, or anything but--fiendish?"
"How do you know he isn't married, Phyllis?"--he shot this at her mercilessly. "How do you know anything except what he's told you? You may be willing to believe him, and all that--but I'm your father, and I want to know, and by God, I'm going to know!"
"Papa, don't!"
"Aha, you're not very confident, are you?"
"He's a man. I don't doubt he's been foolish, and bad, and fast, but to see it written down cold-bloodedly on sheets of paper is more than I can bear. I am willing to ignore that; I am willing to take him as he is now. Oh, Papa, a woman can forgive so much."
"Yes, my dear, and a great deal that a father never could."
"I beg you, Papa, I implore you to telegraph to them to stop."
"It's too late--besides it has to be done; I insist on it; I'm going to strip that man's past to the bone."