And Mr. Summers sighed. Mr. Ely gasped.
"Look here, Mr. Summers, I am not a fighting man."
"No?"
"But if I were----!"
"Yes. If you were? Go on!"
"By George, sir, if I were----!" At this moment Mr. Ash entered the room. "I'm sorry, Ash, that you have come. You've interrupted the most agreeable interview that I ever had in all my life."
"I'm surprised, Mr. Summers, after what has passed, to see you here."
"Why? I assure you I'm not at all surprised at seeing you."
Rising, Mr. Summers held out his hand. But Mr. Ash declined to see it.
"Oh, take his hand! For goodness' sake take his hand! Shake it off his wrist! Don't let him suppose that you're not delighted to have the pleasure."