Rebb had proved himself to be a brave man in several South African engagements, so it was not fear that prevented him from falling upon the man who thus defied him and meddled with his most private affairs. But with all his fury--and he could scarcely articulate for rage--he was sufficiently master of himself to know that to strike Haskins would only force him into open court. Rebb had no wish that the will of Durham and his guardianship of Mavis should be a topic of conversation with his friends, or appear in print for the delectation of the public. He therefore kept his hands down by his sides, and subdued his wrath, as best he could. But the effort nearly choked him.
"You have said all that you can say, Mr. Haskins," he growled, in a guttural voice filled with menace, "so you can go."
"Certainly," rejoined Gerald again. "And your attitude?"
"I stand by the will of my brother officer," said Rebb, with suppressed fury, "I enjoy the Durham property until Mavis marries. She is not fit to marry, being insane, therefore----"
"You will enjoy the Durham property until the end of your life."
"Yes!" said Rebb determinedly, "I do hold to that. Mavis has all she wants and is happy where she is."
"Because you have filled her mind with lying tales of English girls all being brought up in seclusion as she is being brought up. But on Mavis' twenty-first birthday, Rebb, when she hopes to come out into the world? What then? How will you restrain her? Will she be happy then?"
"I am not bound to tell you of my plans regarding my ward," said the Major stiffly, "on her twenty-first birthday I shall know how to act."
"Good-night!" said Gerald abruptly, and made for the door.
"Stop," cried Rebb imperatively. "What about your attitude?"