"When I said it was impossible," said Sam coldly, "I was referring to the impossibility of the possibility…. I mean, that it was impossible that I could possibly … in other words, father, I can never marry. My heart is dead."
"Your what?"
"My heart."
"Don't be a fool. There's nothing wrong with your heart. All our family have had hearts like steam-engines. Probably you have been feeling a sort of burning. Knock off cigars and that will soon stop."
"You don't understand me. I mean that a woman has treated me in a way that has finished her whole sex as far as I am concerned. For me, women do not exist."
"You didn't tell me about this," said Sir Mallaby, interested. "When did this happen? Did she jilt you?"
"Yes."
"In America was it?"
"On the boat."
Sir Mallaby chuckled heartily.