“Oh, nonsense!” said Charlie. “Go on. What’s the matter?”
The proprietor nerved himself for the effort. After all, if these people were not ashamed for themselves, why should he blush for them? Looking sternly at Charlie, he began to formulate his accusation. He had not got far before Maggie gave a little shriek of amazement; and the captain, jumping up, seized him by the collar, and exclaimed:
“What do you mean, you little rascal? What’s this scandalous nonsense you’ve got hold of?” and the captain shook his host severely.
“I am not to be bullied, sir,” said the proprietor stoutly. “I have excellent authority for what I say, and——”
“Whose authority?”
The proprietor vouched Miss Grey and the fifth lady.
“We must look into this,” said the captain.
Maggie, who was blushing severely, but was not without a secret tendency to convulsive laughter, was prevailed upon to accompany them, and the four proceeded to the drawing room, where the Inquisition sat enthroned on the sofa, Miss Grey presiding. Miss Grey rose with a gesture of horror.
“Not gone yet?” she exclaimed.
“No, ma’am,” said the captain; “we want to hear your story first.”