“But it will disfigure the estate horribly.”
“Well, sir, my mate and the head gardener said as it were a pity.”
“Oh, it’s a mistake, man. You are cutting down the wrong trees.”
“Nay, sir; these here’s right. Lordship said bottom o’ the Sandleighs garden. Can’t be no mistake about that.”
“Then it’s an insult to me,” said the Doctor furiously; “and it shall not be done. Here, come away directly.”
The men looked at one another, and smiled uneasily.
“Do you hear? I say it shall not be done.”
“But his lordship said—”
“Something his lordship!” roared the Doctor. “You strike a blow, either of you, again on one of those trees, and I’ll strike you. There!”
“Papa!” cried Veronica from the garden; but the Doctor was too angry to hear that or anything else.