"
As Keith made this powerful statement Isaac smiled, puzzled and
indulgent, as at some play of diverting but incomprehensible humour.
In fact, he never could clearly distinguish between Keith's sense of
humour and his sense of honour; both seemed equally removed from the
safe, intelligible methods of ordinary men. He wasn't sure but what
there was something fine in it, something in keeping with the
intellectual extravagance that distinguished his son from other
people's sons. There were moments when it amused and interested him,
but he did not care to have it obtruded on him in business hours.
"I'm driving no bargain with the lady at all. The books aren't hers,
they're Pilkington's. I'm dealing with him."
"And you refuse to consider her interests?"
"How can you say so when I'm paying two hundred more than I need do,
on her account alone? You must explain that clearly to her."
"Not I. You can explain it yourself. To me, you see, the whole thing's
simply a colossal fraud. I won't have anything to do with it."
"You _'aven't_ anything to do with it. I made the bargain, and I keep
to it."
"Very well, then, you must choose between your bargain and me."
"Wot do you mean, choose between my bargain and you?"
"I mean exactly what I say. I know (if you don't) that that two
hundred ought to be three thousand, and if it isn't paid I shall have
to shunt the business. I never meant to stay in it for ever, but in
this case I shall simply clear out at once, that's all.
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