“I—I don't know what to say to you,” she faltered.
“There is no necessity for saying anything, Shirley.”
“But you saved our lives, and at least have a right to expect due and grateful acknowledgment of our debt. I rang up to tell you how splendid and heroic your action was—”
“I had my own life to save, Shirley.”
“You did not think of that at the time.”
“Well—I didn't think of your uncle's, either,” he replied without enthusiasm.
“I'm sure we never can hope to catch even with you, Mr. Cardigan.”
“Don't try. Your revered relative will not; so why should you?”
“You are making it somewhat hard for me to—to—rehabilitate our friendship, Mr. Cardigan. We have just passed through a most extraordinary day, and if at evening I can feel as I do now, I think you ought to do your share—and help.”
“Bless your heart,” he murmured. “The very fact that you bothered to ring me up at all makes me your debtor. Shirley, can you stand some plain speaking—between friends, I mean?”