Jeremy's mouth went grim. His patience had borne up bravely, and he was in no mood to be teased by a managing and meddlesome young woman.
"Mr. Winter, what does all this mean?"
He handed his horse over to Jack Bumpstead, gave the groom one terrifying look, and bowed Miss Benham out of the stable.
"My dear young lady, I think you are a little excited."
He was deluged, but managed to divert the stream into a quiet corner of the garden.
"Miss Rose, you are inclined to call this affair your own. I warn you that it is nothing of the kind. I even forbid you to meddle with it."
"Forbid, indeed! I shall——"
"Excuse me, you will not."
"What right have you——?"
"Expediency justifies me—and a man's honour."