He was still somewhat incoherent, but Hugo understood him. "I dare say it was rotten to chaff you about that," he said. "Anyhow, I apologize for it, and I'm sure Fred will. Now you've had a scrap, you ought not to keep it up against him."
Norman turned away. "I'm going down to the river to wash my face," he said. "I don't want you."
"Aren't you going to make it up with Fred?"
"No, I'm not. I hate the beast, and I've had enough of him."
"Well, you won't say anything—"
Norman cut him short. "I'm not a cad," he said.
Hugo went back to Fred. The result of their confabulation was that Fred kept away from the hall until Norman's visit was over. Norman did not see him again until years afterwards.