"No, sir," answered the footman, the great Bisgood declining to notice the question.
"Better turn the key on him," suggested Peckover.
This unheard-of order Bisgood took upon himself to ignore likewise. In the abnormal state of affairs the strain on his dignity was nearly at breaking point.
A footman who looked like going to put the suggestion into practice was loftily, but sotto voce, rebuked by his superior, and abandoned his intention.
"I'll go and do it, by Jove," exclaimed Quorn, jumping up and leaving the room, at which action the scandalized Bisgood made no effort to hide his disgust.
Quorn returned. "Got him safe," he said.
"Is the library safe, though?" Peckover suggested shrewdly.
"As if," remarked Gage bitterly, "we hadn't got our hands full without that great nuisance turning up to complicate matters. Let's get on with the wine while we've got any taste left in us," he added, filling his own glass and sending round the decanters.
As Bisgood and his satellites withdrew, eager to find vent for their disgust in the servants'-hall, Peckover jumped up. "An idea!" he cried, brightening. "What do you say having this beast, Leo, in, and passing him off to the duke as Lord Quorn?"
"Not a bad idea," responded Gage, thinking it out.