Sir George displayed signs of acute perturbation.
"Good heavens! Do you know what's the latest tale they're telling?"
"How should I? How long is it since I saw you? The worst tales about your brother I've always heard from you."
"Is that meant for---- What do you mean by that?"
"It's the truth, any way. Ever since Sydney was a small boy you've been telling tales to his discredit."
"Have I? I'm going to cap them with another: he's been committing burglary--that's his latest performance."
"Tell that to the marines. You know, George, you overdo it where Sydney is concerned; you make of him 'an 'orrible tale'; the colours with which you paint him are invariably sanguinary."
Sir George Beaton punctuated his words by striking his hand on the table at which the old gentleman was sitting.
"On the night of the Easter ball at Avonham all the women's jewellery was taken from their rooms--by Sydney."
"Who told you that?"