"I should be obliged to you, sir," Sir Maxwell began, "not to hinder this young lady any longer. She is under my charge, and I must move on."
"Who hinders you, sir?" was the answer. "Not I. Your goings and comings are matters of supreme indifference to me."
Sir Maxwell laughed.
"Boys are always outspoken, I know; and, like puppy dogs, have to be licked into shape."
"You shall be made to apologize for this insult, sir; and were you not in the lady's presence——"
"Oh, pray, Mr. Travers, do not be angry; no harm is meant. I shall look for you to-morrow to tell me the whole story of the poor little girl. Good-afternoon."
Then Griselda stepped on quickly to the door, and Sir Maxwell bowed his "Good-bye," taking her hand and kissing it.
"Why so cruel to me," he asked, "when I would be your slave? Nay, I am your slave, and do your bidding."
"If so, Sir Maxwell, you will allow me to pass into the house, and I wish to do so alone."
"I dare not disobey your orders, though I am invited to a dish of tea by her ladyship; only"—and he hissed the words out between his thin lips—"beware of puppy dogs—they show their teeth sometimes. Adieu—adieu!"