'You have had your answer,' said Herring to the young man. Then, turning to the ladies, 'Now, Countess, and you, Miss Battishill, I must ask to withdraw. I want a word myself with this—person.'
Cicely smiled at him, and drew Mirelle away.
Herring watched them depart, but his eyes were upon Mirelle, not Cicely.
Then, going to the table, he drew a cheque book from his pocket, and wrote on it an order for sixty pounds, payable to Mr. Battishill.
'Will you kindly endorse this, sir?' he asked of the old gentleman.
Mr. Battishill, hardly comprehending his purpose, complied.
'Now,' said Herring to young Sampson Tramplara, 'take this, and write out at once a receipt to Mr. Battishill.'
'I refuse it,' said Sampson, sullenly. 'How am I to know that you have so much money in the bank, and how do I know that your cheque will not be dishonoured?'
Herring pointed to the little black ruler.
'You will sign the receipt at once, or I will break this ruler across your head.'