"Young man, are you mad? Nothing short of that can excuse this bombast," he said at last, reaching out his hand to ring the bell.
"Don't ring!" exclaimed Storms, sharply. "You are welcome to the laugh, but don't ring. Our business must be done without witnesses, for your own sake."
"For my own sake? What insolence is this?"
"Well, if that does not suit, I will say for the sake of your son!"
The blow was struck. Sir Noel's face blanched to the lips; but his eyes kindled and his form was drawn up haughtily.
"Well, sir, what have you to say of my son?"
"This much, Sir Noel. He has been poaching on my grounds, which I don't think you will like better than I do, letting alone the Lady Rose."
Sir Noel rose to his feet.
"Silence, sir! Do not dare take that lady's name into your lips."
Storms stepped back, frightened by the hot anger he had raised.