"Do," she answered, "there's always cold luncheon and a warm welcome here for you." She made the remark pointedly, for she was a little vexed with Ralph. She even went so far as to restrain Gwendolen from accompanying the brothers to the gate, and as they disappeared at the end of the drive Ralph was conscious of almost being in disgrace with his future mother-in-law.
Outside, however, on the main road his embarrassment vanished.
"What the deuce do you mean by coming here like this?" he said angrily.
"My dear Ralph," said Melville coolly, "The Grange doesn't belong to you, nor does the Manor House—yet. I've been to The Grange because I wanted to see the Austens, and now I'm going to the Manor House because I want to see Sir Geoffrey."
Ralph was unfeignedly astonished.
"You want to see Sir Geoffrey?" he gasped.
"I do," said Melville. "Why not?"
"I wonder you have the audacity to look him in the face again," said Ralph hotly. "You are a liar and a thief."
"Go slow, Ralph," said Melville, "go slow. It seems to me you're off your chump. If your engagement hasn't turned your brain, tell me what all this pother is about, and leave mud-slinging till afterwards. What do you mean?"
Ralph was almost deceived by his brother's calmness; at any rate, it had the effect of making him struggle to regain command of his own temper.