"I think so also."
Mr Gilbert rose from his chair.
"Before I go to bed, with your permission, I will finish this excellent cigar upstairs, and I'm afraid that game of billiards will have to be postponed. Will you allow me to say, without prejudice, that if, later, Miss Arnott finds herself in need of legal aid I shall esteem myself fortunate to be allowed to render her any assistance in my power. I can make my presence felt in a certain kind of case, and this is going to be a very pretty one, though that mayn't be your feeling just now. I should like to add that I feel sure I could defend her much better than I could Jim Baker."
"There will not be the slightest necessity for you to do anything of the kind.".
"Of course not. I am merely putting a suppositious case. May I take it that you are the lady's friend?"
"You may."
"And that you would be willing to do her a service?"
"I would do her any service in my power."
"Then shall I tell you what is the best service you could do her?"
"I am listening."