He did not proceed. There was that in her face which arrested his flow of language.
"Is Kingsley to be consulted in this, sir?"
"To be consulted? Certainly not. He is not to know it."
"Shall I be at liberty to write and tell him that it is for his good I am leaving him?"
"You will not be at liberty to communicate with him in any way, directly or indirectly."
"He is, then, to suppose that I have deserted him?"
"He is to suppose what he pleases. That will not be your affair."
Indignation gave Nansie courage. "Is it to be yours, sir?"
"What do you mean?" demanded Mr. Manners, frowning.
"That you will have the power to invent some story to my discredit, and that your son shall be made to believe I am not worthy of him. That is my meaning, sir."