(First, "A
female of the canine kind." Second, "A term of reproach for a woman.")
It shocked Mr. Mool; and it is therefore unfit to be reported.
"Really, Doctor Benjulia!"
"Does that mean that you positively must talk about her?"
Mr. Mool smiled. "Let us say that it may bear that meaning," he
answered.
"Go on, then--and get it over. She made a statement in your office. Out
with it, my good fellow. Has it anything to do with me?"
"I should not otherwise, Doctor Benjulia, have ventured to present
myself at your house." With that necessary explanation, Mr. Mool
related all that had passed between Mrs. Gallilee and himself.
At the outset of the narrative, Benjulia angrily laid aside his pipe,
on the point of interrupting the lawyer. He changed his mind; and,
putting a strong constraint on himself, listened in silence. "I hope,
sir," Mr. Mool concluded, "you will not take a hard view of my motive.
It is only the truth to say that I am interested in Miss Carmina's
welfare. I felt the sincerest respect and affection for her parents.
You knew them too. They were good people. On reflection you must surely
regret it, if you have carelessly repeated a false report? Won't you
help me to clear the poor mother's memory of this horrid stain?"
Benjulia smoked in silence.
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