Cossey. Next time that we are out shooting together I
expect I shall be nowhere. It was an awful fluke of mine killing those
four birds."
Edward Cossey took no notice of the friendly words or outstretched
hand, but came straight on as though he intended to walk past him.
The Colonel was wondering what it was best to do, for he could not
mistake the meaning of the oversight, when the Squire, who was
sometimes very quick to notice things, spoke in a loud and decided
tone.
"Mr. Cossey," he said, "Colonel Quaritch is offering you his hand."
"I observe that he is," he answered, setting his handsome face, "but I
do not wish to take Colonel Quaritch's hand."
Then came a moment's silence, which the Squire again broke.
"When a gentleman in my house refuses to take the hand of another
gentleman," he said very quietly, "I think that I have a right to ask
the reason for his conduct, which, unless that reason is a very
sufficient one, is almost as much a slight upon me as upon him."
"I think that Colonel Quaritch must know the reason, and will not
press me to explain," said Edward Cossey.
"I know of no reason," replied the Colonel sternly, "unless indeed it
is that I have been so unfortunate as to get the best of Mr. Cossey in
a friendly shooting match.
Pages:
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258