The butler's voice interrupted his thoughts.
"I'm very sorry, Master Melville, but Sir Geoffrey cannot see you this afternoon."
Melville frowned; he saw the perplexity on the old man's face, detected the hesitation with which he spoke.
"Cannot or will not?" he asked sharply.
Martin was no dissembler where his affections were involved.
"Sir Geoffrey seems very put out," he said apologetically, "and——"
"Go back to Sir Geoffrey and say that I must see him," said Melville peremptorily, and reluctantly Martin obeyed.
This time he did not return. Melville heard the library door bang and quick steps cross the hall. In another moment the dining-room door was flung open and, purple with rage, Sir Geoffrey himself strode in.
"What do you mean by forcing yourself upon me?" he said passionately. "Are you so dead to all sense of decency that you not only can't stop away after your last vile swindle, but even have the audacity to dictate to me in my own house? I will not receive you here. Go out and stop out, or I'll have you put out!"
Melville stood perfectly quiet.