“It’s quite wonderful enough for my modest wants,” said Mr. Thomas Marvel. “Howjer manage it! How the dooce is it done?”

“It’s too long a story. And besides⁠—”

“I tell you, the whole business fairly beats me,” said Mr. Marvel.

“What I want to say at present is this: I need help. I have come to that⁠—I came upon you suddenly. I was wandering, mad with rage, naked, impotent. I could have murdered. And I saw you⁠—”

“ Lord! ” said Mr. Marvel.