“The better for my absence, I suppose you mean,” said his brother-in-law sneeringly.
Amos made no reply.
“Well, sir,” continued the wretched stroller, whose swaggering manner was evidently merely assumed, “every man’s house is his castle, and therefore mine must be so too. I haven’t much to offer you in the way of welcome just now, but, before we part, I should like a word in private with you.—Is the other room occupied?” he asked of his wife.
“No; Mrs Allison has put it at my service this morning.”
“Then, Mr Huntingdon, will you be so good as to follow me?” Saying which, he led the way to the other parlour, and, when they had entered, locked the door, to the surprise and not particular satisfaction of Amos, who gave just one glance at the little window, and thought he saw two eyes peeping through the little holes.
“Pray be seated,” said the player.
Amos accepted the invitation and sat.
“You have brought some money, I understand, from my father-in-law for his daughter,” began Mr Vivian abruptly.
“I have,” said the other, after his questioner had waited a minute or so for a reply.
“Would you have the goodness to hand it to me?” continued the player.