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 The instinct of self-preservation had sent George up-stairs; once safe, however, his jealousy had suggested his sending Mr. Johns down to interrupt the tête-à-tête, by the assertion that Austin had come to tell him something. But hardly was this successfully accomplished than George began to consider in great agony of mind what it was that Austin was telling. He believed not only that he would be most unacceptable to Mr. Johns as a suitor, but that his conduct in masquerading as an accountant at the school would lose him his job at the bank, and unless properly explained might damage his whole financial future.

He hurried down, therefore, and as he entered he never doubted that it was his conduct, not Dido's, which the two men were hotly discussing. Assuming a slightly pompous calm, which he was far from feeling, he said, "Mr. Johns, I have a right to be heard." Neither of the others answered him, and he continued, with even greater firmness, "Even a criminal has a right to be, and I am not a criminal."

"Well, that's good news, George," said Mr. Johns, who had not yet the least idea what it was all about.