“Could you give me a moment—here in my room? I won't detain you.”
The faint trace of surprise faded from Quarrier's face; he quietly retraced his steps, and, entering Siward's room, stood silently confronting its pallid tenant.
“Will you sit down a moment?”
Quarrier seated himself in the arm-chair by the window, and Siward found a chair opposite.
“Quarrier,” said the younger man, turning a tensely miserable face on his visitor, “I want to ask you something. I'll not mince matters. You know that the Patroons have dropped me, and you know what for.”
“Yes, I know.”
“When I was called before the Board of Governors to explain the matter, if I could, you were sitting on that Board.”
“Yes.”
“I denied the charge, but refused to explain.... You remember?”
Quarrier nodded coldly.