"That she will never be!"
"Hang it, sir!" Mr. Ely rushed forward. But again Mr. Ash thought it advisable to interpose.
"Mr. Summers, be so kind as to leave this house."
"Oh, don't turn him out! For goodness' sake don't turn him out! Pray tell him where the lady is! And also acquaint him with the situation of the spoons! And entreat him, next time he calls, to bring his burglar friends, and other relatives."
Mr. Ash endeavoured to pacify his friend. But the attempt was vain. Mr. Ely's blood was up. His wrongs were more than he could bear.
"My dear Ely, I beg that you will not pay the slightest attention to this--gentleman."
"Attention! Not me! I'm not paying the attention! It's he! And to my young woman, by the Lord!"
Still tugging at his beard, Mr. Summers laughed and turned away.
"I'm sorry you cannot give me the information I require. And you really are inhospitable, Ash, you really are. But never mind, I'll have my revenge! When you come to see me I'll not show you the door; nor Ely, if he'll condescend to call."
He had reached the window when the door opened, and Mrs. Clive appeared.