Le Vallon, who had watched the brief encounter between his friend and Philip with great curiosity, now edged across to where Bancroft was standing.
Bancroft turned.
"Come apart a moment," he said. His voice was still trembling with passion. He and Le Vallon drew near to the window.
"You saw that damned fellow come up to me just now?"
"But yes! I watched very closely. What did he want with you?"
"He came to impose his will—his will!—on mine. Curse his impudence!"
"Why? What did he say?" asked Le Vallon inquisitively.
Bancroft did not answer.
"I want you to act for me," he said abruptly. "He—insulted me, and I've sworn to teach him a lesson."
Le Vallon drew back a little.