"I shall give you no explanation."
"But I will have one," blustered Clarence.
"Ask Lord Maltravers," said Jack.
Clarence stepped back at this shot.
"Subterfuges will not avail you, sir," he replied. "This is my wife's handkerchief you hold in your hand. You are a villain and a trickster!"
"No man shall call me that," cried Jack.
He raised his fist and knocked Clarence down, which was precisely what that pliant tool of Lord Maltravers wanted.
Elise shrieked.
The attention of the whole house was quickly transferred to the occupants of Box B.
"Help! help!" shouted Clarence.