"In that case, as my time is also valuable, I had better go."
"No, no, confound you," said Horace crossly, and seeing that Prelice knew well how to treat his humours. "Madame here, and Jadby, wish to speak to you seriously."
"I fail to see upon what subject."
"Upon the subject of Miss Chent," cried the buccaneer savagely.
"I decline to discuss an absent lady," said Prelice coolly.
"You are engaged to her."
"Am I indeed?"
"But you sha'n't marry her."
"Won't I! See here!" Prelice rose, very tall and very straight and very cool-headed, "if you persist in going like this, Captain Jadby, I shall be compelled to twist your neck."
"English manners," sneered the half-caste again.