It is regrettable, but the truth must be told. The two officers, Mrs. Trevanion not having entered the room, let forth a flood of language such as certainly had never before been heard within those walls.
"Come, come," said the Vicar, "remember my cloth. I will change my coat, and then ask you to tell me calmly, as befits the day, all that has happened."
"Your cousin, Squire——" began Mr. Mildmay, on the Vicar's departure, but he choked.
"Is a consummate scoundrel, sir," said Mr. Polwhele for him.
"He hoodwinked us," said the lieutenant.
"He trapped us," cried the riding-officer.
"Calmly, gentlemen," said the Vicar, re-entering. "Now, Mildmay."
"He invited us to his house——"
"And laughed and joked," put in Mr. Polwhele.
"And made himself deuced pleasant," said Mr. Mildmay.