"You wished to see me?" he asked.
"Pardon," corrected Tellier, "it is Lord Vernon I wish to see."
"Lord Vernon is ill and sees no one."
Tellier gave his mustachios a supercilious twirl.
"You still maintain that farce?" he queried. "I assure you that for me it has long since lost its novelty."
Collins took a step toward the door.
"Shall I show you out?" he asked.
"No—not yet," and Tellier smiled provokingly.
"You would really better let me show you out," said Collins, quietly.
"In another moment, I shall probably kick you out."
Tellier's face turned a deep purple and his white teeth gleamed behind his moustache.