"I'm indifferent to the abuse you think fit to heap on me, Miss Thompson," he said, "but I must beg you to remember that ladies are present."
Tears by now were struggling with her anger. Her face was red and swollen as though she were choking.
"What has happened?" asked Dr Macphail.
"A feller's just been in here and he says I gotter beat it on the next boat."
Was there a gleam in the missionary's eyes? His face remained impassive.
"You could hardly expect the governor to let you stay here under the circumstances."
"You done it," she shrieked. "You can't kid me. You done it."
"I don't want to deceive you. I urged the governor to take the only possible step consistent with his obligations."
"Why couldn't you leave me be? I wasn't doin' you no harm."
"You may be sure that if you had I should be the last man to resent it."