"Where have you been, sirrah?" were the angry words that greeted him.
"Into the town, sir."
He had perforce to halt, the doorway being barred by the man's broad form.
"Into the town! You defy me, do you? Did I not bid you remain at home and make up the stock-book?"
"I did that before I left."
"You did, did you? I lay my life 'tis ill done. What did you in the town at this time o' night?"
"I went to see General Clive."
"Indeed! You! Hang me, what's Clive to you? Was you invited to the regale? You was one of that stinking crowd, I suppose, that bawled in the street. You go and herd with knaves and yokels, do you? and bring shame upon me, and set the countryside a-chattering of Richard Burke and his idle young oaf of a brother! By gad, sir, I'll whip you for this; I'll give you something to remember General Clive by!"
He caught up a riding-whip that stood in the angle of the doorway, and took Desmond by the shoulder. The boy did not flinch.
"Whip me if you must," he said quietly, "but don't you think we'd better go outside?"