Fishpingle rose slowly, crossed the room to the bookcase and took down his “Burke.” The Squire watched him with impatience.
“Your slow ways irritate me. Where did ye get that Peerage?”
“I bought it, Sir Geoffrey.”
Fishpingle opened the big book, and put on his spectacles. Having found the page, entitled “Beaumanoir,” he pushed the volume across to the Squire, who adjusted his pince-nez.
“Not much stock left,” said Fishpingle.
The Squire frowned, running his forefinger up the page.
“You’ve been talking to my lady,” he snapped out.
“No, Sir Geoffrey.”
“Then she’s been talking to you.”
“Not about the Maltravers family.”