Mr. Ash almost foamed at the lips.
"If you will not withdraw, Mrs. Clive, then in your presence I shall be compelled to thrash this man within an inch of his life."
"Gentlemen! I do beg of you!--I pray!"
"There's not the slightest occasion to be alarmed. Threatened men proverbially live long. Honest men know from experience that they can listen unmoved to the tall language used by the more doubtful members of society."
Mr. Ely ostentatiously jingled the money in his trouser pockets, and smiled a beatific smile.
"You hound!"
Mrs. Clive was in time to seize Mr. Ash's uplifted arm.
"Mr. Ash!" she cried.
"Hallo, Ash! What's the matter, Ash? Want to exhibit a little valour on the cheap?"
"You cur!"