"Good day, Mr. Medland," said Benham. "I have enjoyed making" (he paused, but barely perceptibly) "Miss Medland's acquaintance."
Medland bowed coldly.
"Mr. Puttock was good enough to introduce me."
"I am ready, father," said Daisy. "Good-bye, Mr. Benham."
Benham took her offered hand, and, with a smile, held it for a moment longer than sufficed for an ordinary farewell. Still holding it, he began—
"I hope we shall meet often in the future and—"
Medland, in a sudden fit of anger, seized his daughter's arm and drew it away.
"I do not desire your acquaintance, sir," he said, in loud, harsh tones, "for myself or my daughter."
Benham smiled viciously; Coxon, who stood by, watched the scene closely.