"So," says he with satisfaction and made a right guess at Alison. "Mrs.
Boyce, I am necessitated to present myself. Captain McBean."
"What, more champions!" Geoffrey laughed. "Oh, ma'am, you have too general a charity. My sympathy is in your way," and he made his bow and was going off.
"Mordieu, you relieve me marvellously," says McBean, and O'Connor put his back against the door.
Mr. Waverton waved O'Connor aside.
"You'll be Mr. Waverton?" said O'Connor.
"Od's life, sir, stand out of my way." But O'Connor laughed and McBean tapped the magnificent shoulder. Mr. Waverton swung round.
"Hark in your ear," says McBean. "You're a lewd, cowardly scoundrel, Mr.
Waverton."
Mr. Waverton glared at him, stepped back and turned on Alison. "Pray, ma'am, control your bullies. I desire to leave your house!"
"Let him be, sir," Alison stood up. "Leave us, if you please, I have to speak with him."
"You have not," McBean frowned. "The affair is out of your hands. Come, sir, march. There's a pretty piece of turf beyond the gates. Your friend there may serve you."