Bertram.

A most painful scene for them, I mean t'say——

Philip.

A painful scene for you and Mr. Dunning.

Bertram.

After dinner—when they've gone—you and I'll go down to Dunning——

Philip.

[Flinging the poker into the grate and facing Bertram.] Confound you, you don't suppose I'm going to act on your suggestion, and grin through a long meal with this between us! [Pointing to the telephone again.] Ring him up, you treacherous little whelp—quick! [Advancing.] If you won't——!

Bertram.

[Bristling.] Oh, very good! [Pausing on his way to the telephone and addressing Philip with an evil expression.] You were always a bully and a blusterer, Mackworth; but, take my word for it, if you fancy you can bully Mr. Dunning, and bluster to my family, with any satisfactory results to yourself, you're vastly mistaken.