With neighbors, and even with friends, we are often
compelled to do this, but I scarcely see why we should do so with an
open enemy."
"And such I trust you will find me, madam, an OPEN enemy in the
better sense of the adjective. As far as I can, I will answer
questions if you wish to ask any. I will tell you honestly all the
harm I meditate and outline clearly the extent of my hostility, if
you will do the same," and he smiled so genially that she half
smiled also as she answered:
"To hear you, sir, one would scarcely imagine you to be an enemy at
all. But then we know better."
"Yes, sir, pardon me, we do," said Mr. Baron, a little stiffly. "For
one, I would like your honest statement of just what harm you and
your command meditate. I am one who would rather face and prepare
for whatever I shall be compelled to meet."
"I think, sir, you have already met and faced the direst event of
the evening--my presence at your hospitable board. Even this
hardship is due to your courtesy, not to my compulsion.
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