"But you've just done it, William."
Portlaw, in a miniature fury, began to run around in little circles, puffing threats which, however, he was cautious enough to make obscure; winding up with:
"And I might as well take this opportunity to ask you what you mean by calmly going off to town every ten days or so and absenting yourself without a word of—"
"Oh, bosh," said Malcourt; "if you don't want me here, Billy, say so and be done with it."
"I didn't say I didn't want you—"
"Well, then, let me alone. I don't neglect your business and I don't intend to neglect my own. If the time comes when I can't attend to both I'll let you know soon enough—perhaps sooner than you expect."
"You're perfectly welcome to go to town," insisted Portlaw, alarmed.
"I know it," nodded Malcourt coolly. "Now, if you'll take my advice you'll behave less like a pig in this Ascott matter."
"I'm going to fight that suit—"
"Certainly fight it. But not the way you're planning."