“If it had not been for the almost insane manner in which you have behaved, there might never have been this trouble. That is the answer I give you, and that is the only one you ever will receive.”
I marched off. In the corridor I found myself in the company of the four. I was in a towering passion, and they also were in a rage, each in his own way.
“The man is a scoundrel—perfect scoundrel—ought to be treated as such!”
This was the Major.
“Who is a scoundrel, Major Tibbet?”
“Man Hammond—regular ruffian!”
“I should recommend you to go back and tell him so. You will find that, in the proceedings which will follow, he will be disposed to do his share.”
“He hasn’t behaved well, Miss Norah—really, he hasn’t!” This was Mr Rumford; his manner I should describe as cattish. There was something about him which reminded me of an elderly tabby. “Hoodwinked us in a most ungentlemanly manner. Induced us to entrust him with you, on what were absolutely false pretences. He really did.”
“If that is so, I am more indebted to him than I imagined. That is all I can say, Mr Rumford.”
“It isn’t fair of you to say such things, Miss Norah.” Mr Purchase had the audacity to say that. “You came with us as our common guest——”