human
Stop a moment, Theodore; do you really wish this discussion to take place before your father? I wonder if you remember --he paused, and then went on firmly,
gpt
Father, he said imploringly,
human
I beg you not to listen to Major Lane. He is alluding to a matter which he gave me his word--his word of honour--should never be mentioned to anyone, least of all to you; then, turning with an angry gesture to the Head Constable,
gpt
Was that not so?
human
Yes, I admit that by asking you this question I have broken my word, but good God! man, this is no passing scrape that we have to consider now; to-morrow morning all Birmingham will be ringing with your name--with your father's name, Theodore--for by some horrible mischance the papers have got hold of the letters in question. I did my best, but I found I was powerless.
gpt
And now, once more I ask you whether we had not better delay this painful discussion until you and I are alone?
human
No! cried Carden, now thoroughly roused,
gpt
Yes, Lane, I think my son is right; there's no use in making any more mystery about the matter. I'm sure that the letters you have brought to show Theodore will puzzle him as much as they have me, and that he will be able to assure you that he has no clue either to their contents or to their writer.