“I am a blunt, plain-spoken man. I believe in calling things by their right names, and in fighting the devil with fire, madam. Am I to understand that you have brought me to this house boat in order that you might possess all my fortune—and me, too?â€�
“Do you want the truth?� she demanded, looking squarely at him this time, and with no softness and no coquetry in her glance.
“Assuredly.�
“Then—just that.â€�
He drew a mouthful of smoke from the cigar and expelled it in a steady stream toward the ceiling. When that was done, he smiled somewhat quizzically.
“At least we are playing now with the cards face up on the table,� he commented.
“Precisely. I assume that to be the only way to play a game with you, Mr. Lynne.�
“You are rather correct as to that, madam.�
“How does the idea impress you, Mr. Lynne?�
“Rather disagreeably, as I see it.�