"No—really—unique though the prospect be! I left Elise and the cook alone, two poor defenceless women; the gardener is taking his weekly day-off in the village. We won't see anything of him till morning, probably—when he'll show up very meek and damp about the head."
"Aren't you afraid?"
"I? Nonsense! I'm shamelessly able-bodied—and not afraid to pull a trigger, besides. Moreover, there aren't any dangerous characters in this neighbourhood."
"Then I presume it's useless for me to offer my services as watch-dog?"
"Entirely so. And when I choose a protector, I shall pick out one sound of limb as well as wind."
"Snubbed," he said mournfully. "And me that lonesome.... Think of the long, dull evening I've got to live through somehow."
"I have already thought of it. And being kind-hearted, it occurred to me that you might be one of those mean-spirited creatures who can enjoy double-dummy."
"It's the only game I really care for with a deathless passion."
"Then, if I promise to come over this evening and play you a rubber or two—will you permit me to go home now?"
"On such terms I'll do anything you can possibly suggest," he declared, enchanted. "You mean it—honest Injun?"