"You have heard my story," Gifford pursued with steady decisiveness, "and have, I presume, accepted it."
"For what it is worth." The smart of defeat prompted the futile reply.
"That won't do at all," Gifford returned with sternness. "You either accept the account I have just given you, or you do not."
There was something like murder in Henshaw's eyes as he replied, "This bullying attitude is what I might expect from you. To put an end, however, to this most unpleasant interview you may take it that I accept your statement."
"To the absolute exoneration of Miss Morriston?"
"Naturally."
"I must have your assurance in writing."
Henshaw fell back a step and for a moment showed signs of an uncompromising refusal. "You are going a little too far, Mr. Gifford," he said doggedly.
"Not at all," Gifford retorted. "It is imperatively necessary."
"Is it?" Henshaw sneered. "For what purpose?"