'Hinton,' said I, assisting him.
'Mr. Hinton,' repeated he slowly.
'Won't you be seated?' said I, pointing to a chair, and taking one myself.
He nodded familiarly, and placing himself on the window-sill, with one foot upon a chair, resumed—
'It's about O'Gradys business I suppose you've come down here. The Captain has treated me very ill.'
'You are quite right,' said I coolly, 'in guessing the object of my visit; but I must also let you know, that in any observations you make concerning Captain O'Grady, they are made to a friend, who will no more permit his name to be slightingly treated than his own.'
'Of course,' pronounced with a smile of the most insulting coolness, was the only reply. 'That, however, is not the matter in hand: your friend, the Captain, never condescended to answer my letter.'
'He only received it a few days ago.'
'Why isn't he here himself? Is a gentleman-rider to be treated like a common jockey that's paid for his race?'
I confess the distinction was too subtle for me, but I said nothing in reply.