"And did you think it was fair to me?"
"Why not? If you're not dealing with her what difference could it make?"
He said to himself, "I've got him there!"
Isaac was indeed staggered by the blow, and lost his admirable composure.
"Do you know wot you've done? You've compromised me. You've compromised the honour and the reputation of my 'Ouse. And you've done it for a woman. You can't 'ide it; you're a perfect fool where women are concerned."
"If anybody's compromised, I think it's me. I pledged my word."
"And wot business had you to pledge it?"
"Oh, I thought it safe. I didn't think you'd dishonour my draft on your reputation."
"Draft indeed! That's it. You might just as well 'ave taken my cheque-book out of the drawer there and forged my signature at the bottom. Why, it's moral forgery—that's wot it is. I can see it all. You thought you were acting very generous and grand with this young lady. I say you were mean. You did it on the cheap. You'd no expense, or risk, or responsibility at all. I know you can't see it that way, but that's 'ow it is."
Keith did not defend himself against this view of his conduct, and Isaac preserved his attitude of moral superiority.