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. Leroux sank upon the
chesterfield, rubbing his fingers up and down his palms with a
curious nervous movement and glancing at the dead woman, and at Exel,
alternately, in a mechanical, regular fashion, pathetic to behold.