"Better!" said Langham, laughing.
"Well, what's the matter with it, then?" persisted Gilmore.
"There's a good deal of it sometimes, it's rather oppressive—" said the lawyer.
"I'll fix that," said Gilmore shortly.
"I would if I wanted what you seem to think you want," replied Langham chuckling.
"Marsh, I'm dead serious; I'm sick of being outside all the good things. I know plenty of respectable fellows, fellows like you; but I want to know respectable women; why can't I?"
"If you hanker for it, you can; it's up to you, Andy," said Langham.
The gambler appeared very ingenuous in this new rôle of his.
"Look here, Marsh, I've never asked anything of you, and you must admit that I've done you one or two good turns; now I'm going to ask a favor of you and I don't expect to be refused; fact is, I ain't going to take a refusal—"
"What is it, Andy?" asked Langham cautiously, "I want you to introduce me to your wife."