“For my part I am compelled to dissociate myself from this manifesto at such a time. I desire that my protest may be recorded in the minutes of the Guild.”
The Chevalier and his brother exchanged alarmed glances. The idea that their courageous undertaking might be recorded in writing had not occurred to them.
“Surely there will be no record taken of to-night’s meeting!” Egerton exclaimed. “These proceedings are confidential!”
Des Louvres hastened to reassure him. He had conceived a suspicion from St. Maur’s manner, and determined to balk him.
“I am in the hands of the committee,” he said. “But in my opinion it will be best to make no entry beyond the names of those present, and to state that the proceedings were of a private character.”
Basil Dyke sprang to his feet.
“In that case I shall withdraw at once!” he declared. “I consider you had no right to bring us here without warning us of what you were going to propose. This is high treason. I shall resign my membership of the Guild.”
“I move that Mr. Dyke’s resignation be accepted,” said Alistair swiftly, going through the necessary formalities, as the irate novelist made his way to the door.
Wickham Vane cast a reproachful glance at his brother.
“If there is going to be any record of to-night’s meeting, I shall go as well,” he announced.