“What do you mean?”
“Why, the poor creature is dumb!”
“Ah, ha! There’s a compliment and a challenge for you, Dudley,” he exclaimed, with a boisterous laugh. “You must pick up the gauntlet.”
“May I ask why you suppose I am dumb?” inquired Captain Deverell, in his slow voice, looking her over with supercilious eyes.
“Sure I had no reason to suppose otherwise till now.”
“My friend here invariably talks for both. He enjoys it.”
“Yes, and saves your lazy self, a lot of trouble,” amended Sir Henry.
“Conversation is a fag. Do you live here?” he added, looking straight at Mary.
“I’ve spent my whole life in that cottage.”