'I was only going to throw the fellow down the stairs.'
'Is that all? And what has'--there was a little hesitation; then the word was softened by a smile--'the fellow done? And who may the fellow be?'
'I don't know. Some bounder, I suppose.'
Mr Dumville seemed slightly disconcerted, as if the situation had not quite shaped as he had expected. Mr Holland's hat and stick had fallen to the floor. He stooped to pick them up. When he turned there came an exclamation from the little lady at the door.
'Guy!'
'Miss Bewicke.'
'Whoever would have thought of seeing you? Why, this is Mr Holland, a friend of my childish days.'
She advanced with a tiny gloved hand held out to him. Mr Dumville, whose hands were in his trouser pockets, seemed disposed to be grumpy.
'It wasn't my fault; he should have told me.'
'You hardly gave me an opportunity.'