Alice Harrington flew to his defence. “That’s too absurd!” she cried. “We’ve known Mr. Vaughan since he was a child.”
“Who is this person?” Monty demanded superciliously.
“Never mind who I am,” Taylor said gruffly, and started to search him.
“Don’t hurt him,” Nora cried, rushing to her fiancé’s side.
“It’s all right, Nora,” Monty said; submitting quietly. “He thinks he’s doing his duty. When you’re through with me,” he said to Taylor, “I’ll take you to my room. You’d probably like to go through that, too.”
“Here, that’ll be enough from you,” Taylor said frowning. “You aren’t smart enough to be Denby’s pal. Clear out—get back to the nursery.”
Nora cast a glance of vivid hatred at him, but Taylor turned his back on her.
“Do you want us any longer?” Michael asked.
“No,” he was told. “You can go and leave me with this girl,” pointing to Ethel, who had not said a word. “I want a little talk with her.”
“Please keep her out of it,” Michael asked him. “I’m sure she’s absolutely innocent in the matter.”