Charlie shook his head.

"Not the smallest," he said. "But I should have thought your imagination
might have accomplished that much. Surely you needn't grudge the tears
of pity a woman wastes over a man she has had to disappoint?"

He spoke with his eyes on Fisher's face. He was not afraid of Fisher,
yet his look of relief was unmistakable as the hand on his shoulder
relaxed.

"You care for her, then?" Fisher said.

Charlie flung impetuously away from him.

"Oh, need we discuss the thing any further?" he said. "I'm on the wrong
side of the hedge, and that's enough. I hope you won't say any more to
her about it. You will only distress her."

He walked to the end of the room and came slowly back to Fisher, whose
eyes were sternly fixed upon him. He thrust out his hand impulsively.

"Forgive me, old chap!" he said. "After all, I've got the hardest part."

Fisher's face softened.

"I'm sorry, boy," he said, and took the proffered hand.

"I'll clear out to-morrow," Charlie said. "You'll forget this foolery of
mine?" gripping Fisher's hand hard for a moment.