"It can't be done. You see that for yourself, don't you?"
"It can be done. Go to your room and I'll come——"
"Are you mad?"
"Almost. I tell you you'd better find some way——"
"What has happened?"
"I mean to have you tell me, Jim."
A dull flush came into his face: "Oh! Well, I'll tell you now, if you like."
Her heart seemed to stop for a second, then almost suffocated her, and she instinctively put her hand to her throat.
He was leaning over the pool table, idly spinning the ivory balls; she, seated on the edge, one pretty, bare arm propping her body, appeared to be watching him as idly. All around them rang the laughter and animated chatter of his guests, sipping their after-dinner coffee and cordial around the huge fireplace.