THE INVENTOR. "We have had along conversation, Mr. Wilkeson, and I will end it by saying that it is best for us to separate, now and forever." MARCUS (_bitterly_). "As you please, sir; but it is hard that a man's reputation should be at the mercy of any scoundrel who knows how to write a libel, and has not courage enough to acknowledge it." THE INVENTOR (_pettishly_). "I have told you a dozen times, that I despise anonymous letter writers. They are ever liars and cowards." MARCUS. "But you respected this one enough to adopt his suggestions." THE INVENTOR. "So the magistrate uses hints that may be furnished him by professional thieves, for the detection of crime. But he, none the less, loathes those who would inform upon their comrades." MARCUS. "You believe, therefore, only what you have seen or heard for yourself." THE INVENTOR. "Nothing further, I assure you. In all matters of proof, it is my nature to be suspicious." MARCUS. "But none of these accusations against me have been proved." THE INVENTOR. "Why protract this painful conversation? It is sufficient for me to say that we must part.--(_Excitedly_.) Good heavens, sir! am I not the guardian of my daughter, and warranted in accepting or rejecting acquaintances for her? Must I make long explanations to everybody that I don't see fit to admit into my house and my daughter's society? Is not this a free country, sir?" MARCUS _(with deep despair in his voice_). "Perfectly free, sir. I admit your rights. And I hereby pledge myself not to intrude upon you or her--at least, until you are convinced of the great injustice of your conduct toward me, and invite me again to your house. But there is one thing more!" THE INVENTOR (_impatiently_). "One thing more! will this dialogue never end? Well, sir. What the devil is it?" Then he added, as if aware of the coarseness and gross impropriety of that expression. "Excuse me, sir, but it is late, and my machine is waiting." MARCUS (_slowly and firmly_). "One moment, sir. I have sworn my innocence before God, with the most solemn oath known to man. I may have misconstrued your remarks, but I thought you still doubted me. It is my misfortune to be extremely sensitive upon the point of honor. Having relinquished your acquaintance and that of--of--your daughter, it is now my duty to ask whether you presume to question my oath?" THE INVENTOR (_with increased impatience_). "Why should I be bored with this cross-examination? I have never said I doubted your oath." MARCUS (_quickly_). "That is not an answer. Do you believe me, or disbelieve me? Am I a liar and perjurer, or not? In one word; yes, or no!" THE INVENTOR (_laughing nervously_). "Will you bully me in my own house, sir? There is the door. Out of it!" There was a noise like the opening of a door. MARCUS (_between his teeth_). "Never, sir. Never, until you retract your imputation upon my honor."