‘I could easily find a better,’ said Phil.
‘Philip, you call my honour in question!’ cried Prior.
‘I would never trouble to do so,’ said Phil; ‘because I do not consider that you have got any.’
For far less provocation men in those fighting days had risked their precious lives, as Phil was well aware. He had calculated the chances of having to fight with Prior, and his calculations were verified: Prior had no intention of fighting; he had swallowed many an insult.
‘For your father’s sake, Philip, I will not go further into the dispute,’ he said with the sorry attempt at dignity of a man who knows himself in the wrong.
Philip walked to the door and flung it open.
‘Adieu, Mr. Simon Prior,’ he said with great mock ceremony. And Carrie was not troubled with any more visits.
CHAPTER XXIX
Simon Prior had come out to Fairmeadowes to beg. It was not the first time he had begged from Richard Meadowes, and he had little shame about doing it. He even assumed a slightly bullying air as he made his modest demand for £100—he had not gone so high with Philip.
Meadowes sat by the fire in his usual easy lounging attitude. He did not look like a man inclined to dispute anything, and he listened quietly to Prior’s demand. But after he had considered it for a moment he spoke with the greatest decision of tone.