"Good day to you, Meester Benham."
"Good day to you, Chevalier. Will you be so good as to tell me whence you come, and where you are going?"
De Rothan looked haughty.
"Indeed, sir, by what right do you ask these questions?"
"By a right that it is not yours to question. I am a King's officer and we have our orders. You will be so good as to answer me."
"I take it as a reflection on my honour."
"Take it as you please. We have to supervise the comings and goings, even of our guests."
"Meester Benham, do you suggest——?"
"I ask you to answer my question."
"Your way of asking it is insolent."