“Mr. Meason knows very well that I do not wish to know him.” “If you only come here to insult my guest, the sooner you go out the better. Had I known that you intended to behave in this fashion I should have left you standing outside till morning. I'll not have--” “Never mind, Escott; I'm off. Mr. Brookes and I are no longer on speaking terms, that's all! I'll see you later on.” “Don't go, pray.” “I think I must.” “I am surprised, Frank,” said Mr. Brookes, when Meason was gone, “that you should seek your friends among the enemies of my family.” “We will not discuss that question now. I never heard of such conduct--you force your way into my studio, and apparently for no purpose but to insult my guest. You see your daughters are not here.” “I am by no means satisfied with that,” said Berkins, opening a door. “I must see behind that piece of tapestry.” “No, you shall not. I have had just about enough of this. How dare you? God's truth--” and as Berkins seemed determined to continue his search, Frank caught him by the collar. But Berkins was tall and strong, and showed no intention of allowing himself to be thrown out. His long legs were soon extended here and there; his body was sometimes bent back by Frank's weight, once he had succeeded in nearly throwing Frank over on the sofa. Mr. Brookes had fled to the door, which, in his excitement, he failed to open, and the struggle was continued until at last, maddened by a most tight and tempting aspect of Berkin's thigh, Triss broke his collar, and in a couple of bounds, reached and fixed his teeth deep in the flesh. “Triss, you brute, leave go.” But Triss clung to the long-desired thigh. “I'll twist his tail, it will make him leave go.” With a savage yelp of pain the dog turned on his master and was hauled instantly off Berkins's thigh. “I need hardly say that so far as the dog is concerned, I regret, and I am truly sorry for what has occurred.” “Sir, do you not see what a state I am in; do not stand there making excuses, but lend me your handkerchief. I shall bleed to death if you don't.” “Shall I tie it up for you?” “If those girls there would only fetch a doctor.” Mr. Brookes could not refrain from foolish laughter, and in a moment of wretched despair he declared that it would be all the same in a hundred years time--a remark which would not have failed to irritate Berkins if he had not fainted. XIII Next day Willy called at the studio, and Frank told him what had occurred. “But I don't see why you shouldn't come to the Manor House,” said Willy. “If you will only say something about the Measons, I think it can be made all right.” “No, I'm not going to turn against Meason; I have always found him a good fellow. I know nothing about his flirtation with Sally.” “No more do I; I think it has been exaggerated, but, as you know, I never interfere. I wish you would come in to dinner one night.” “Supposing I were to meet Berkins?” Willy stroked his moustache.