"For me. Any more trouble?"
"I guess not. She wants to fuss round about your cold. Heaping coals of fire's the English of it."
"Let her leave me alone," said the Major petulantly. "I'm quite well. I am going back to my room," and with a nod to Rupert, he marched out.
Burgh looked after him with a smile and a shrug: then he turned to Rupert who was moving towards the door. "Can I speak with you?" he asked with a frown.
"Not here Mr. Burgh," cried Ainsleigh, "this is not the place for a quarrel."
"And why not," cried the other, advancing with clenched fists, "I--"
"Keep your distance," said Ainsleigh sharply starting back on his guard, "the attendant is looking on," and he pointed to the man behind the counter who attended to the hats and cloaks.
Burgh tossed him a shilling, "Go and get a drink," he ordered.
"Stop where you are," commanded Rupert, "or I'll report you."
But the man, who was a dissipated-looking waiter pretended not to hear this last remark, and disappeared from behind the counter. The two men were alone, and Burgh spoke first. "I guess I'm going to lay you out," said he, "on account of--"