“Really, sir, I do not understand you,” said the housekeeper, with dignity.
“Let me see you alone,” said Chester, earnestly.
“Certainly not, sir. Have the goodness to say what is your business here.”
“You know it is impossible,” cried Chester. “See me alone—send this man away.”
“Stay where you are, Mr Roach,” said the housekeeper, who might, from her calm, dignified manner, have been the mistress of the house. “Are you not making some mistake, sir? Mr Clareborough evidently does not know you.”
“Nor you either?” said Chester, sarcastically.
“I, sir? Certainly not,” replied the housekeeper.
Chester stared at her angrily.
“Do you dare to tell me this?” he cried.
“Come, sir, none of that, please,” said the butler, interfering. “We can’t have you always coming here and asking to see people who don’t want to see you.”