“Do you seriously accuse me of abusing a sacred trust?”
Gridley broke another silence.
“He says the land belongs to all of us.”
“Do you?”
Poor John became desperate, the champion of a lost cause, with his back to the wall, sensible that further speech was futile, quite unable to hold his tongue when challenged.
“I think the land belongs to England, my lady, although a few have been allowed to do what they like with it.”
“Allowed?”
“Yes, your ladyship, allowed.”
“You can go.”
John stared at her and went out. Brian opened the door for him and then closed it. Lady Selina spoke to Gridley: