'You have seen Miss Gilchrist?' he inquired, changing the subject.
'With whom, I am led to understand, we are on a footing of
rivalry?' I asked. 'Yes, I have seen her.'
'And I was just seeking her,' he replied.
I was conscious of a certain thrill of temper; so, I suppose, was
he. We looked each other up and down.
'The situation is original,' he resumed.
'Quite,' said I. 'But let me tell you frankly you are blowing a
cold coal. I owe you so much for your kindness to the prisoner
Champdivers.'
'Meaning that the lady's affections are more advantageously
disposed of?' he asked, with a sneer. 'Thank you, I am sure. And,
since you have given me a lead, just hear a word of good advice in
your turn. Is it fair, is it delicate, is it like a gentleman, to
compromise the young lady by attentions which (as you know very
well) can come to nothing?'
I was utterly unable to find words in answer.
'Excuse me if I cut this interview short,' he went on. 'It seems
to me doomed to come to nothing, and there is more attractive
metal.'
'Yes,' I replied, 'as you say, it cannot amount to much. You are
impotent, bound hand and foot in honour. You know me to be a man
falsely accused, and even if you did not know it, from your
position as my rival you have only the choice to stand quite still
or to be infamous.
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