“Of course, of course, Mama! But the agitation—the natural agitation—”
“If he is speaking the truth,” interrupted Mrs Griffin, “let him summon his nephew to stand before me!”
“Ah, I begin to understand you!” said Sir Richard. “Is it possible, ma’am, that you suspect my nephew of being your errant ward?”
“No, no!” said Griffin feebly.
“Yes!” declared his mother.
“But Mama, only consider what such a thought must imply!” said Mr Griffin in a frenzied aside.
“I can believe anything of that unnatural creature!”
“I should doubt very much whether my nephew is upon the premises,” said Sir Richard coldly. “He was engaged to spend the day with friends, upon an expedition of pleasure. However, if he should not yet have left the house, I will engage to—er—allay all these heart burnings.”
“If he has run out to escape us, I shall await his return!” said Mrs Griffin. “And so I warn you!”
“I admire your resolution, ma’am, but I must point out to you that your movements are of no possible interest to me,” said Sir Richard, stepping over to the bell, and jerking it.