‘I am doing nothing of the kind, only, under the circumstances, I am bound to point out to you what it is you may expect.’
‘Oh, you think that you’re bound to point that out, do you,—then now your bounden duty’s done. As for there being any revolvers in the house, papa has a perfect arsenal,—would you like to take them all?’
‘Thanks, but I daresay I shall be able to manage with one,—unless you would like one too. You may find yourself in need of it.’
‘I am obliged to you, but, on this occasion, I don’t think I’ll trouble. I’ll run the risk.—Oh, Sydney, what a hypocrite you are!’
‘It’s for your sake, if I seem to be. I tell you most seriously, that I earnestly advise you to allow Mr Holt and I to manage this affair alone. I don’t mind going so far as to say that this is a matter with which, in days to come, you will wish that you had not allowed yourself to be associated.’
‘What do you mean by that? Do you dare to insinuate anything against—Paul?’
‘I insinuate nothing. What I mean, I say right out; and, my dear Marjorie, what I actually do mean is this,—that if, in spite of my urgent solicitations, you will persist in accompanying us, the expedition, so far as I am concerned, will be postponed.’
‘That is what you do mean, is it? Then that’s settled.’ I rang the bell. The servant came. ‘Order a four-wheeled cab at once. And let me know the moment Mr Holt is ready.’ The servant went. I turned to Sydney. ‘If you will excuse me, I will go and put my hat on. You are, of course, at liberty to please yourself as to whether you will or will not go, but, if you don’t, then I shall go with Mr Holt alone.’
I moved to the door. He stopped me.
‘My dear Marjorie, why will you persist in treating me with such injustice? Believe me, you have no idea what sort of adventure this is which you are setting out upon,—or you would hear reason. I assure you that you are gratuitously proposing to thrust yourself into imminent peril.’