Anthony Dodwell made an unsuccessful effort to treat the speaker with the air of insolence which they knew so well.
"Really, Mr. Clifford, I have yet to learn that I am to be called to account for my goings and comings by you."
"All the same, there's no reason why you shouldn't answer my question. Here's Noel come back out of the grave, as it were. It's pretty plain that he's been in the wars, and you know well enough what a pother there's been; especially when he asks you, why can't you stop and hear whatever he has to say?"
"Because I'd sooner go. If that doesn't appear to be a sufficient reason, I'm sorry."
"One moment, Captain Dodwell, if you please."
The interpolation came from Major Reith. Dodwell already had the door partly open.
"Well, major, what can I do for you--with your one moment?"
"To begin with, you can shut that door."
Striding forward with unexpected rapidity, the major, wresting the door from his grasp, shut it sharply.
"Reith! Do you imagine that I am going to take my orders, in such a manner, from you?"