"Don't rag, Linton," said Clayton, with an austere frown. "This is serious."
"Glad you told me," said Linton. "Go on."
"Can't you sit down, Linton!" said Stanning.
"I was only waiting for leave. Thanks. You were saying something, Clayton. It sounded pretty average rot, but you'd better unburden your soul."
The president resumed.
"We want to know if you've anything to say—"
"You don't give him a chance," said Linton. "You bag the conversation so."
"—about disgracing the house."
"By getting the Gotford, you know, Sheen," explained Linton. "Clayton thinks that work's a bad habit, and ought to be discouraged."
Clayton glared, and looked at Stanning. He was not equal to the task of tackling Linton himself.