"Her true insanity," cried Rebb warmly, "everyone in Denleigh and Silbury and Leegarth knows about the poor girl, and that she is watched by Bellaria Dondi."
"Your useful, elderly relative. Just so. And does all the neighborhood know about Julian Durham's will?"
"Anyone who goes to Somerset House can learn what he wishes, as you have done," retorted the Major. "I am not bound to make my private affairs public down here. You apparently are trying to do your best to provide gossip for the neighborhood."
"Well, yes. I mean to get Mavis out of the Pixy's House."
Rebb jumped up and banged on the table furiously. "I defy you. Yes, I defy you," he almost shouted, "and you shall not get her out of that house. She is well treated, and----"
"One moment. I never said that she was not well treated," said Gerald swiftly, "but, badly as you are behaving, I presume your conscience does not allow you to ill-treat Mavis, seeing that you are enjoying her fortune."
"Take care! Take care! I may strike you."
"By all means. It will give me the chance to take you into court for assault and make the matter of the Pixy's House public."
"Ah," Rebb looked scathingly at the bold speaker, "you are afraid."
"Oh no. If you strike me, I shall probably give you a good thrashing, which, to my mind, you richly deserve. In an ordinary case I would thrash you and let you go: but my desire is to force you into taking up a public position of defence."