What did he care for Durfy now? To-morrow in all probability he would have the satisfaction of walking up to that table and saying, “Mr Durfy, I leave here on Saturday,” meanwhile he was not disposed to stand any of his insolence.
But he hardly expected what was coming next.
“Very well, then you can just put your hat on your head and go back the way you came, sir.”
“What do you mean?” said Reginald, in startled tones.
“Mean? what I say!” shouted Durfy. “You’re dismissed, kicked out, and the sooner you go the better.”
So this was the dignified leave-taking to which he had secretly looked forward! Kicked out! and kicked out by Durfy! Reginald’s toes tingled at the very thought.
“You’ve no right to dismiss me for being a few minutes late,” said he.
It was Durfy’s turn now to be dignified. He went on writing, and did his best to affect oblivion of his enemy’s presence.
Reginald, too indignant to know the folly of such an outburst, broke out,—
“I shall not take my dismissal from you. I shall stay here as long as I choose, and when I go I’ll go of my own accord, you cad, you—”