"How—how dare you?" he stammered. "How dare you? By God, if you were a bigger man I'd—I'd——"
He paused, choked by his fury.
"I know—I know. But I'm not afraid of you. I'm not to be bullied into subjection."
Milbanke's temper, difficult to rouse, was stirred at last. He gave his host glance for glance.
"You realise what you have said?" Asshlin's dark face was distorted, his voice came unsteadily.
"Yes. I regret that I have to say it, but I do not regret saying it. It is wholesome for a man to hear the truth."
"Oh, it's wholesome to hear the truth, is it?"
"Yes; and I won't see you go to pieces for want of a word. You are a man with obligations, and you are neglecting your obligations. There are other things in life besides cards and horses——"
Asshlin suddenly threw back his head.
"By God, you're right!" he cried. "And the other things are a damn sight worse. I'd put a good horse before a self-righteous preacher any day."