The two men faced each other in the Major's big living-room.
"And so," said Hector, "I want, sir, to marry your daughter."
The Major remained silent for a moment. Hector's heart beat furiously. Outwardly, he was perfectly calm.
"You—want—to—marry—my—daughter?"
Astonishment and stinging scorn!
Hector held himself strongly.
"Yes, sir."
Then suddenly the Major dashed his mask aside.
"And who the devil are you?" he almost shrieked.
The cry was to Hector a violent slap in the face. Deadly insult and utter defeat dominated it. But he stood firm. He had anticipated a hard fight.