"Mrs. Mortomley is so exceptional a woman that she desires no compliments from Mr. Werner," was the reply.
He smiled again and said,
"And I in good faith am in no mood to pay compliments to any one—not even to you, whom I want to do me a favour."
"Recalling the past, I cannot help remarking that diffidence does not appear to be one of your strongest characteristics."
"Recalling the past, you will do me this kindness for the sake of my wife."
Dolly did not answer. She wanted to understand what this favour might be before she committed herself.
"I cannot sit," he said, "unless you are seated also, and I am tired mentally and bodily. I assure you when I have told you all I have come to tell, you will not regret having extended to me courtesy as well as attention."
He placed a chair for her, and then took one himself.
"I have come to speak to you about a very serious matter—" he began.