.. UNDRESSED!"
Leroux clutched at his dishevelled hair with both hands.
"My dear Exel!" he cried--"my dear, good man! Why do you use that tone?
You say 'she is undressed!' as though I were responsible for the poor
soul's condition!"
"On the contrary, Leroux!" retorted Exel, standing very upright, and
staring through his monocle; "on the contrary, YOU misconstrue ME! I did
not intend to imply--to insinuate--"
"My dear Exel!" broke in Dr. Cumberly--"Leroux is perfectly well aware
that you intended nothing unkindly. But the poor chap, quite naturally,
is distraught at the moment. You MUST understand that, man!"
"I understand; and I am sorry," said Exel, casting a sidelong glance
at the body. "Of course, it is a delicate subject. No doubt Leroux can
explain."...
"Damn your explanation!" shrieked Leroux hysterically. "I CANNOT
explain! If I could explain, I"...
"Leroux!" said Cumberly, placing his arm paternally about the shaking
man--"you are such a nervous subject. DO make an effort, old fellow.
Pull yourself together. Exel does not know the circumstances--"
"I am curious to learn them," said the M. P. icily.
Leroux was about to launch some angry retort, but Cumberly forced him
into the chesterfield, and crossing to a bureau, poured out a stiff
peg of brandy from a decanter which stood there.
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