Perhaps as we grow old we grow
worldly also, and you and your agents pressed me very hard, Mr.
Cossey. Still I have always told you that my daughter was a free agent
and must decide for herself, and therefore I owe you no apology on
this score. So much then for the question of your engagement to Miss
de la Molle. It is done with.
"Now as regards the threats you make. I shall try to meet them as
occasion arises, and if I cannot do so it will be my misfortune. But
one thing they show me, though I am sorry to have to say it to any man
in a house which I can still call my own--they show me that my first
impressions of you were the correct ones. /You are not a gentleman/,
Mr. Cossey, and I must beg to decline the honour of your further
acquaintance," and with another bow he opened the vestibule door and
stood holding the handle in his hand.
Edward Cossey looked round with a stare of rage. Then muttering one
most comprehensive curse he stalked from the room, and in another
minute was driving fast through the ancient gateway.
Let us pity him, for he also certainly received his due.
George followed him to the outer door and then did a thing that nobody
had seen him do before; he burst out into a loud laugh.
"What are you making that noise about?" asked his master sternly.
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