While the books were being searched the young men consulted together. Frank said: “Send up your card, and say you will be glad to speak to him on a matter of importance. Of course he will see you, but before you speak about Maggie you must apologise for my presence; you must say that I am a very particular friend, and that you thought it better that the interview should take place in the presence of a witness.” “I wish it were all over. I wouldn't do what I am doing for any one else, I can tell you, Frank.” “Mr. Stracey is in the hotel, sir.” “Will you give him my card, and say I should be glad to speak to him on a matter of importance?” “Very good, sir.” (In an undertone to Frank), “Was that right?” “Quite right.” “Oh, one thing I had forgotten to ask you--am I to shake hands with him?” “You mean if he offers you his hand?” “Yes.” “It is impossible to settle everything beforehand. One must act according as the occasion requires.” “That's all very well for you, but I am a slow man, and am lost if I don't arrange beforehand.” “Pretend not to see his hand, and apologise for my presence; he will then see that we mean business.” “The waiting is the worst part.” “Will you walk this way, sir?” said the page boy. “Mr. Stracey is not out of bed yet, but he said if you wouldn't mind, sir.” They shrank from their enterprise instinctively, but the door was thrown open, and they saw a bath, and a sponge, and a towel, and Mr. Stracey lying on his back reading _The Sporting Times_. He extended a long brawny arm. The strength of the arm fixed itself on Willy's mind, and he doubted if he had not better take the proffered hand. “I brought my friend Mr. Escott with me, for I thought a witness--I mean, that this interview should be conducted in the presence of a third party.” At this speech Charlie opened his eyes and dropped his paper. Willy leaned over the rail of the bed; Frank looked into the bath, but remembering himself suddenly, he examined the chest of drawers. “I have come to speak to you about my sister.” Charlie changed countenance, and both men noticed the change. “I mean to say I have come to tell you that you must discontinue your visits to the Manor House, and I must beg of you not to address my sisters should you meet them.” “May I ask if you are your father's representative, if you speak with his authority?” “I do not. I--” “Then I should like to know on what authority you forbid me a house that doesn't belong to you, and I should like to know, if your father doesn't disapprove of my knowing your sisters, why you should? I shall speak to Miss Brookes as long as she cares to speak to me. The very idea of a man like you coming here to bully me! You have got my answer.” “If, after this warning,” said Frank, who, seeing that things were going against them, thought he had better interfere, “you speak to Miss Brookes, you will do so at your peril.” “Peril! What do you mean?”