"Get on with it."
"I can't help thinking it's a mistake. Can't help thinking that somehow that minute I spend with him every day strengthens rather than breaks him down."
"Guess you're right—it would me," Hipps agreed. There was a shade of gallantry in the tone.
"I take leave to doubt that," said Laurence. "I'm positively sure that if a man is feeling the pinch all day long and everybody he comes in contact with is definitely against him, a momentary glimpse of someone who is seemingly sympathetic is far more likely to weaken his resolve than strengthen it. It makes him relax and even though you relax only a trifle it's the very deuce to get a grip on yourself again. You can see it when chaps are training—that extra cigarette—the whiskey and soda that isn't allowed plays the devil with their constitution. I know when I was at——" He stopped for Auriole's large eyes were looking at him critically.
"What is it?" he asked.
"Nothing," she replied. "Nothing." Then to everyone's amazement burst out: "What a mean rotter you are, though."
"Here——" he began.
"I honestly believe you enjoy all this beastliness."
"Enjoy? My dear girl, do be sensible. Damn it, no one enjoys having to put on the screw. It's a case of necessity."
"Yes, yes, I suppose it is," she acquiesced hurriedly in an effort to regain her composure. "Only it seemed to me—but never mind."