"I wish to say a word to you," said Mr. Manners, sternly. "Do you prefer it should be said here or in private?"
Mark Inglefield, shaking like a man in an ague, rose to his feet and staggered to the door.
"In private?" asked Mr. Manners.
"In private," replied Mark Inglefield, his voice scarcely rising above a whisper.
"Remain here," said Mr. Manners to Timothy, "and explain to Miss Parkinson why we have come."
Then he followed Mark Inglefield from the room. The landlord was on the stairs, and at Mr. Manners's request he conducted the two to another room, saying:
"You will not be disturbed."
Summoning all his courage, Mark Inglefield said:
"This is an unexpected honor, sir. Your errand is probably the same as mine."
"What may your errand be?" asked Mr. Manners.