“I couldn’t make a scene before all those men,” he began.
“Of course you couldn’t. I knew that,” she interrupted.
“But I’ll make one now. By God I will! What do you mean by this outrageous behaviour?”
“To queer your game, my friend. I thought it would be amusing to show all your pretty conspirators that the gaff was blown.”
“I’m free to ask anyone to my own house. I’m master here, and the sooner you learn it the better. Are you aware that you’ve insulted the whole of my guests?”
“I flattered myself I behaved with peculiar courtesy,” said Lady Edna. “It’s you who are being rude to them. You had better go back. Are you coming down to Moulsford to-morrow?”
“No, I’m damned if I am!”
He flung away from her, then turned.
“By God! you shall pay for this.”
“Willingly. It’s worth a lot.”