“It concerns you and Violet,” he said.
A savage look as of a hungry dog from whom his dinner is being snatched, came across Raymond’s face.
“Well?” he said.
“She wished me to tell you that she can’t marry you,” said his father. “She asks you to set her free from her engagement.”
The savagery of that sullen face grew blacker. “I don’t accept that from you,” he said. “If it’s true, Violet will have to tell me herself.”
Philip made a great effort with himself. “It is true,” he said, “and I want at once to tell you that I’m very sorry for you. But it would have been very painful for her to tell you, and it was I who suggested that I should break her decision to you. I hope you won’t insist on having it from her.”
“She has got to tell me,” said Raymond. “And is that all, father? If so, I’ll go to her at once.”
“No, there’s more,” said he.
Raymond’s face went suddenly white; his mouth twitched, he presented a mask of hatred.
“And so it’s Colin who has got to tell me the rest,” he said. “Is that it?”