"Not if it is necessary."
"I don't know whether it is necessary."
"Don't bother about it if you are in the slightest doubt."
Dysart waited a moment, perhaps for some unpleasant emotion to subside; then:
"I'll sit down a moment, if you permit."
He dropped into one of the big, deep, leather chairs and touched the bell. A servant came; he looked across at Duane, hesitated to speak:
"Thank you," said Duane curtly. "I've cut it out."
"Scotch. Bring the decanter," murmured Dysart to the servant.
When it was served he drained the glass, refilled it, and turned in the rest of the mineral water. Before he spoke he emptied the glass again and rang for more mineral water. Then he looked at Duane and said in a low voice:
"I thought you were worried the other day when I saw you at my house."