“Well, yes, there is. I've just been to see Mrs. Larne.”
Mr. Ventnor did not flinch.
“Ah! Nice woman; pretty daughter, too!” And into those words he put a certain meaning. He never waited to be bullied. Bob Pillin felt the pressure of his blood increasing.
“Look here, Ventnor,” he said, “I want an explanation.”
“What of?”
“Why, of your going there, and using my name, and God knows what.”
Mr. Ventnor gave his chair two little twiddles before he said
“Well, you won't get it.”
Bob Pillin remained for a moment taken aback; then he muttered resolutely:
“It's not the conduct of a gentleman.”