“One minute, Mr. Cossey,” he said very quietly, for it was one of his peculiarities to become abnormally quiet in circumstances of real emergency, “and then I think that we may close this painful interview.  When first I knew you I did not like you.  Afterwards, through various circumstances, I modified my opinion and set my dislike down to prejudice.  You are quite right in saying that I encouraged the idea of a marriage between you and my daughter, also that I forbade the house to Colonel Quaritch.  I did so because, to be honest, I saw no other way of avoiding the utter ruin of my family; but perhaps I was wrong in so doing.  I hope that you may never be placed in a position which will force you to such a decision.  Also at the time, indeed never till this moment, have I quite realised how the matter really stood.  I did not understand how strongly my daughter was attached in another direction, perhaps I was unwilling to understand it.  Nor did I altogether understand the course of action by which it seems you obtained a promise of marriage from my daughter in the first instance.  I was anxious for the marriage because I believed you to be a better man than you are, also because I thought that it would place my daughter and her descendants in a much improved position, and that she would in time become attached to you.  I forbade Colonel Quaritch the house because I considered that an alliance with him would be undesirable for everybody concerned.  I find that in all this I was acting wrongly, and I frankly admit it.  Perhaps as we grow old we grow worldly also, and you and your agents pressed me very hard, Mr. Cossey.  Still I have always told you that my daughter was a free agent and must decide for herself, and therefore I owe you no apology on this score.  So much then for the question of your engagement to Miss de la Molle.  It is done with.

“Now as regards the threats you make.  I shall try to meet them as occasion arises, and if I cannot do so it will be my misfortune.  But one thing they show me, though I am sorry to have to say it to any man in a house which I can still call my own—­they show me that my first impressions of you were the correct ones. You are not a gentleman, Mr. Cossey, and I must beg to decline the honour of your further acquaintance,” and with another bow he opened the vestibule door and stood holding the handle in his hand.

Edward Cossey looked round with a stare of rage.  Then muttering one most comprehensive curse he stalked from the room, and in another minute was driving fast through the ancient gateway.

Let us pity him, for he also certainly received his due.

George followed him to the outer door and then did a thing that nobody had seen him do before; he burst out into a loud laugh.

“What are you making that noise about?” asked his master sternly.  “This is no laughing matter.”