Mavis did not speak.
The man seemed surprised at her silence.
"I—I knew your father," he remarked.
"I knew your son," said Mavis icily.
"More's the pity!"
Mavis looked up, mildly surprised. The man continued:
"He's mean: mean right through. I've nothing good to say of him. I know him too well."
Mavis kept silent. Major Perigal went on:
"A nice mess you've made of it."
The girl's eyes held the ghost of a smile. He continued: