“The Mansons, sir,” persisted Richard.
“Oh, give them the cheque and be damned to them! But remember they're no brother and sister of yours, and must never be alluded to as such, or as persons you have any knowledge of. When you've given them that,”—he pointed to the cheque which still lay beside him—“you drop their acquaintance.”
“That I cannot do, sir.”
“There's a good beginning now! But I might have expected it!—You tell me to my face you won't do what I order you?”
“I can't, sir; it wouldn't be right.”
“Fiddlesticks!—Wouldn't be right! What's that to you? It's my business. You've got to do what I tell you.”
“I must go by my conscience, sir.”
“Oh, damn your conscience! Will you promise, or will you not? You're to have nothing to say to those young persons.”
“I will not promise.”
“Not if I promise to look after them?”