Page:Magician 1908.djvu/211

 “Your perspicacity amazes me. I surmise that it is to you I owe this amusing citation which was served on me yesterday.”

“I allowed you to come in so that I might tell you I will have no communication with you except through my solicitors.”

“My dear fellow, why do you treat me with such discourtesy? It is true that you have deprived me of the wife of my bosom, but you might at least so far respect my marital rights as to use me civilly.”

“My patience is not so good as it was,” answered Arthur. “I venture to remind you that once before I lost my temper with you, and the result you must have found unpleasant.”

“I should have thought you regretted that incident by now, O Burdon,” answered Haddo, entirely unabashed.

“My time is very short,” said Arthur.

“Then I will get to my business without delay. I thought it might interest you to know that I propose to bring a counter petition against my wife, and I shall make you co-respondent.”

“You infamous blackguard!” cried Arthur furiously. “You know as well as I do that your wife is above suspicion.”

“I know that she left my hotel in your company and has been living since under your protection.”

Arthur grew livid with rage. He could hardly restrain himself from knocking the man down. He gave a short laugh.

“You can do what you like. I’m really not frightened.”