Hell of a position for you to be in--I understand and all that--
and I'm sorry for you. Now let's get down to business, for I must
get back to New York."
It was impossible not to feel Darwin K. Anthony's force; it spoke
in his every tone and action. It looked out from his harsh-lined
features, and showed in his energetic movements. He was a great
granite block of a man, powerful in physique, in mind, and in
determination. He had Kirk's eyes, Mrs. Cortlandt noted, except
that they were deeper set, more fierce and eager.
She was not used to being overridden, and his masterful air
offended her.
"In what way may I be of service to you?" she inquired, coldly.
"I want my boy," he said, simply, and she began to see that
underneath his cold and domineering exterior his heart was torn by
a great distress.
"You know all the circumstances, of course?"
"I do. That's why I came straight to you. I know you're the
keystone of the whole affair, so I didn't waste time with these
other people. Kirk's a damned idiot, and always has been; he isn't
worth the powder to blow him to--excuse me--I mean he's just a
ne'er-do-well; but I suppose I'll have to do my duty by him."
"I understand that has always been your attitude."
"Exactly! I got sick of his performances and cut him off; couldn't
stand for him any longer.
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