"I do not fight with schoolboys," he said.
The colour flooded Philip's face.
"Perhaps because you are afraid," he said quickly, guarding his temper.
"Perhaps," nodded Bancroft. "Yet I have not the reputation of a coward."
Swift as a hawk Philip pounced.
"You have, sir, as I well know, the reputation of a libertine!"
It was Bancroft's turn to flush.
"I—beg—your—pardon?"
"It is necessary," bowed Philip, enjoying himself now for the first time in many days.
"You—impudent boy!" gasped Bancroft.