He had dropped his hat upon entering the door, and now he stood with his head bowed meekly.
"Mr. Belford, if your heart smites you, don't blame me."
"But you have come to bid it smite me."
"No, but to ease it if it has been smiting you."
"Ah, sit down, Washington."
"I prefer to stand."
"But pick up your hat. Your humility embarrasses me."
"Let it lie there, Mr. Belford."
"Well, can't you do something? Damn it—"
"Mr. Belford, I don't ask you to respect me, but I command you to respect my holy calling."