“I knew it!” said he. “I knew it!”
Mr Roe said,—
“You can hardly have heard the question properly, Mr Railsford; may I repeat it?”
“I heard it perfectly well,” said Railsford.
“You are aware of the very serious nature of your reply? Do you give any reasons for your refusal?”
“None at all.”
“I think,” said Mr Grover, rising gallantly to protect his friend, “it would be well if this meeting adjourned. I submit there is no further business before us.”
“I oppose that,” said Mr Bickers, who had recovered his calmness rapidly. “I propose, Mr Chairman, that this meeting adjourn for five minutes, while the head-master is invited to come and assist our decisions.”
This was seconded.
“If I may be allowed,” said Railsford, “I should like to support that proposal.”