‘Freddy, what have you been up to?’ cried Charlie Saunders, in amaze; but he did not ask what the other man had been ‘up to.’ It appeared to be taken for granted that he had good ground for his complaint. ‘Look here, you beggar,’ observed Spenceley to Myles; ‘just get out of this, before you are turned out, and don’t interfere in things you don’t understand.’ ‘I go when I have your promise to behave yourself in future--not before.’ ‘Wha-at? Promises? I don’t make promises to cads.’ ‘Then I suppose you’ve never promised yourself what you deserve. I’m waiting for a promise to me, not a cad, and I’ll stay till I get it.’ ‘D--n you! will you be off?’ shouted Spenceley, in a sudden passion, as he saw the cool, scornful face of Myles, and his eyes contemptuously measuring him from head to foot; and took in with a side-glance the scarcely concealed smile upon the faces of the others. ‘Will neither of you fellows ring the bell, and have this fool turned out?’ The rules of the club not providing for such an emergency, they took no notice of what he blustered at them, while Myles replied coolly as ever, ‘When I’ve got what I want, I’ll be off, as I said.’ ‘Perhaps you want to keep the little darling to yourself,’ began Spenceley. ‘Drop that!’ said Myles, sharply, for the first time losing his perfect self-command. ‘Ah, that’s it! We don’t want to be disturbed in our little game. We are so very industrious and literary in our pursuits----’ In clenching his hand, Myles felt something in it which he had forgotten--the parcel containing Mary’s straps. The paper which enwrapped them had got loose. One strap had fallen coiling upon the floor; one remained in his hand. He looked at it, and felt very strong to wield it. He turned once more to Spenceley, saying, ‘Do you promise never to speak to, or molest the lady again?’ ‘Make promises to _you_, about that little jade ...’ began Spenceley, jeeringly, but he did not finish the sentence. Myles’s hand, like an iron vice, was at his throat, and during the paralysing astonishment and bewilderment of the other two, Frederick Spenceley received such a thrashing as he had many a time deserved, but which circumstances had hitherto denied to him. Myles’s hold, strengthened by a passion which lent him irresistible power, did not for one moment relax. At last Saunders turned and rang the bell; but not before the fine broadcloth coat was in ribbons upon its owner’s back, and the face above it purple and almost suffocating, did Myles fling him away from him, remarking coolly, ‘Perhaps that will answer as well as a promise. If ever it’s necessary, there’s the same thing, and worse, ready for you a second time.’ He turned to find the door open, and the waiter staring in, aghast.