"My uncle stood up too and they glared at one another.
"'That's the door,' said my brother darkly.
"My uncle walked back to his wonted place on the hearthrug. 'Now don't let's 'ave any quarrelling on a day like this,' he said. 'If you 'aven't any consideration for your mother you might at least think of 'im who has passed beyond. My objec' 'ere is simply to try n'range things so's be best for all. And what I say is this, the ideer of your mother going into a lodging-'ouse alone, without a man's 'elp, is ridiculous, perfectly ridiculous, and only a first-class inconsiderate young fool——'
"My brother Ernest went and stood close to my uncle. 'You've said enough,' he remarked. 'This affair's between me and my mother and your motto is Get Out. See?'
"Again my mother had something to say and again she was silenced. "'This is man's work, mother,' said Ernest. 'Are you going to shift it, uncle?'
"My uncle faced up to this threat of Ernest. 'I've a juty to my sister——'
"And then I regret to say my brother laid hands on him. He took him by the collar and by the wrist and for a moment the two black-clad figures swayed.
"'Lea' go my coat,' said my uncle. 'Lea' go my coat collar.'
"But a thirst for violence had taken possession of Ernest. My mother and Prue and I stood aghast.
"'Ernie!' cried my mother, 'You forget yourself!'