“We’ll try that!” Martin flung at him.
“Not if I have my way,” interposed the Earl. “What, brandish this abominable affair in a criminal court? Set ourselves up to provide the vulgar with a nine-days wonder to gape at and exclaim over? I thank you, Martin, no!”
Martin was silenced. Theo said, in his usual, level tone: “You feel, then, that it would be possible to have me arrested, do you, Gervase? Does your fancy even lead you to suppose that I could be convicted on this evidence?”
“I could have you arrested. I think you would be acquitted. But it would ruin you, Theo.”
“I must suppose that it is your intention to ruin me.”
“No, it isn’t my intention, or my desire. I would prefer to send you to Jamaica.”
“Eh?” said Martin, startled.
Gervase turned his head. “Why not? Let him go out to manage the West Indian property! He himself has frequently said that he believed it to be ill-run; neither of us can doubt his ability to manage an estate.”
“But the West Indian property is mine!”
“Yes, and yours must therefore be the deciding voice.”