Page:Yellow Claw 1920.djvu/23

 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.