All softies are extremely sensitive to the tones of the voice. Nick must have felt the hostility which Lady Selina had purposely veiled. He replied sullenly:
“I be saft along o’ you. You bain’t so good as the Lard.”
“The Lord?”
“Him as lives Wilverley way. Upworthy pegs we be called by Wilverley folk.”
His fatuous grin was unendurable. Lady Selina winced. Grimshaw interposed hastily:
“That will do, Nick.”
Agatha added as quickly:
“You come home along with father and me.”
“Yes,” murmured Lady Selina. “Take him away. John Exton shall be released from custody at once.” She added bitterly to Timothy: “You see what your words have done.”
He replied starkly: