“That’s my business,” said Mr Ratman. “For the matter of that, what are you doing here?”
“Among other things, I am here to see that the young people of the house are not annoyed by the intrusion of a person called Ratman.”
“And I,” said the duke, coming up, “am here to advise you to save trouble by leaving the house.”
“And who are you, sir?”
“I am the Duke of Somewhere.”
“Proud to renew my acquaintance, sir. May I ask if you have quite forgotten me?”
“Sir, you have the advantage of me. I never saw you before.”
“Pardon me, my lord, you saw me a month ago, at a birthday party in this very house.”
“If so, I was not sufficiently impressed sir, to remember you now. I repeat my request as the friend of the young lady.”
“Ah, indeed!” said Ratman; “I am not aware, your grace, of your right to speak to me in the name of Miss Oliphant, or anybody else.”