“I beg your pardon, ladies, for speaking out so abruptly, but it was a natural feeling of indignation.”
“It is quite excusable, sir, and this is no subterfuge.”
“But in Heaven’s name give me some explanation.”
“My dear Gertrude, Mrs Hampton,” said the lawyer with dignity, “perhaps it would be better for you to leave us. This gentleman and I will discuss the matter together.”
Gertrude looked at him almost resentfully, and then there was quite an air of sympathy in her manner, as she turned to their visitor, who said gravely:
“Yes, Miss Bellwood, I quite agree with this gentleman, it would, perhaps, be better that we should discuss the question alone. Indeed, till I have proved that I am no impostor, I am no fit company for ladies.”
He crossed to the door, held it open, and bowed gravely, as without a word they passed out, and then as soon as they were gone, he turned fiercely upon the old man.
“Now, sir, if you please, I am waiting for an explanation,” he said in a low, angry voice.
“Yet,” said Mr Hampton, throwing himself back in his chair, thrusting up his glasses, and fixing his calm, cold eyes upon the visitor as he continued, “I do not grant that you have any right, sir, to demand this explanation. Your position should be that, if you consider you have a just claim, you should instruct a solicitor, and he would place himself in communication with me.”
“Hang all solicitors, sir!” cried the young man angrily, and his eyes seemed to flash with indignation.