Sir Geoffrey rose majestically. He approached his butler. He surveyed him from head to heel. Upon his red face amazement wrestled with incredulity. With an immense effort, he controlled himself, saying calmly:
“You mean, Ben, that you—you oppose my wishes?”
“In this instance, yes.”
Alfred entered with the cooling drinks. Sir Geoffrey gasped out:
“I have never been so—so——”
“Thirsty, Sir Geoffrey?” suggested Fishpingle, as Alfred presented the salver.
The Squire seized a glass with a trembling hand, completed the sentence, “in all my life.”
“Nor I,” said Lionel, taking the other glass.
Alfred withdrew. Sir Geoffrey tossed off his drink, nearly choking. As he slammed the empty glass upon the table, he exploded.
“You—traitor!”