‘Don’t talk so loud, Leonard,’ said Sophia. ‘Tell me what he said.’
‘He said that you were the most notor—notorious—he always uses words a yard long—the most notorious gambler in Rhodopé; so, of course, I said he lied, and would he fight or take a licking? Indeed, he did both.’
His mother flushed with pleasure, but she sighed at the end.
‘I’m afraid he was near the mark, Lennie,’ she said.
‘But what is notorious?’ asked Leonard, ‘I didn’t know what he meant, but, anyhow, it was calling you names.’
‘It means the most regular,’ said Sophia.
Leonard considered a moment with his head on one side.
‘That doesn’t sound very bad,’ he said; ‘but, anyhow, he had no business to say so. No. I’m glad I fought him. Lord, how sore he will be!’
He smoothed his ruffled hair, and put his hat on.
‘I suppose it is true that you are at the club pretty often?’ he continued. ‘Mother, will you take me there sometimes? I have never been.’