The Second Confesion

She even let me have a questioning, unsure glance, as if I might contribute something that would possibly help.

Wolfe focused on her. “I didn't skimp on the background, Miss Sperling, because without it you can't decide intelligently, and, though your father is my client, the decision rests with you. The question that must be answered is this: am I to proceed to assemble proof or not? If I-” “You said you had proof!” “No, I didn't. I said I could prove it, and I can-and if I must I will. I would vastly prefer not to. One way out would be for me simply to quit-to return the retainer your father has paid me, shoulder the expense of my outlay on this job and restoration of my damaged property, and let X know that I have scuttled.

That would unquestionably be the sensible and practical thing to do, and I do not brag that I'm not up to it. It is a weakness I share with too many of my fellow men, that my self-conceit will not listen to reason. Having undertaken to do a job offered to me by your father in good faith, and with no excuse for withdrawal that my vanity will accept, I do not intend to quit.