"David, you use big words. I don't--it's not my way. But confidence begets confidence. I'll tell you something in return--and that without insulting you by asking if you can keep a still tongue--because I know you can."
The doctor returned to a more normal attitude, seeming to do so with an effort, as if he were shaking something from him. He spoke in his ordinary tones.
"Let me light another cigar before you begin. This sort of talk's disquieting, especially after such a dinner as I've had. I think a tonic might not be amiss." He sipped his liqueur. "Andrew, this is not bad brandy."
"A hogshead wouldn't hurt you."
"Wouldn't it? Is it your custom to drink brandy by the hogshead? I thought you didn't use big words."
"It's a figure of speech, David--a figure of speech. If you have that cigar properly lighted, and will sit down like a decent creature, I'll have my say--that is, if you have not had enough of the matter under discussion."
"You're not more ready to talk than I am to listen. Now, Andrew, I'm at your service."
"Well, you suspect this lady of something more than misdemeanour. I may tell you that I doubt if she would have done what she did do--if she did it!--if she had known what she knows now."
"You speak in parables."
"I'll be plain enough. Did you know anything about Cuthbert Grahame's affairs?--his financial affairs, I mean."