Mr. Thornycroft, who had been looking from the window over the sea, lying hot and clear and beautiful this morning, turned and stood before her; his fair, handsome face grave, his towering form raised to its full height, his voice, as he spoke, impressive in its calm decision.
"Lady Ellis, understand one thing--that this is a matter you must not interfere in. The housekeeping at the Red Court Farm that you are pleased to find cause of fault with--is an established rule; so to say, an institution. It cannot be changed. Sinnett will conduct it as hitherto without trouble to or interference from yourself. Whenever it does not please you to sit down to table, there are other rooms in which you can order your dinner served."
"And suppose I say that I must exert my right of authority--my privilege of controlling the dinners?" she rejoined, her voice getting just a little harsh with the opposition.
"You cannot say it. I am master of my own house and my own table."
"You have made me the mistress!"
"Just so; but not to alter the established usages."
Lady Ellis tapped her foot on the soft carpet. "Do you consider that there is any reason in keeping so large a table?"
"There may or may not be. My pleasure is that it shall be kept. My sons have been brought up to it; they would not have it curtailed."
"I think your sons have been brought up to a great deal that is unfitting. One would think they were lords."
"Handsome, noble fellows!" aspirated the justice, with perhaps a little spice of aggravation. "There are not many lords that can match them."