“Yes, and you know why. You were abusing two young children.”
“It was none of your business,” said Philip, shortly.
“It will always be my business,” said Harry, boldly, “when I see a large bully abusing two unoffending children.”
“Quite a modern Don Quixote, upon my word,” said Congreve, but not in the sneering tone Philip was accustomed to adopt.
He never sneered, and never showed excitement, but he was none the less dangerous on that account.
“Don Quixote was a gentleman, though a foolish one,” returned Harry, who understood the allusion.
“That is where he had the advantage of you,” observed Philip.
“A very neat hit, upon my word, Philip,” said Congreve. “Really, you are improving.”
Philip was flattered by this compliment, and looked as if he had quite overwhelmed Harry with his sarcasm.
“However,” continued Congreve, “we had better proceed to business. Philip feels aggrieved, and he expects satisfaction.”