Page:Richard Marsh--The goddess a demon.djvu/81

Rh The old gentleman looked at Hume with eyes which seemed half dazed.

"Yes, sir; oh yes. You're Dr. Hume. I know you very well."

"You hear? Stand aside!"

"I shall not stand aside. And, Hume, take my strong advice and don't attempt to interfere with any visitor of mine. You hear me?"

"I hear, but I shall not pay the least attention. Morley, I forbid you to say a word in this gentleman's presence. You have no right to speak of your master's private affairs in the presence of strangers. I am his friend; I will safeguard his interests. I tell you that by not keeping a strict watch over your tongue you may do him a serious mischief."

"Very good, Hume. Evidently to remonstrate with you is to waste one's breath. I will try another way." Taking him up in my arms I carried him towards the door. "I am going to put you outside my room, and, before you attempt to enter it again, I trust that you will have learnt at least the rudiments of decent manners. Out you go!" And out he went. Depositing him on the floor in the corridor, I locked the door in his face. He banged against it with his fist.

"You shall pay for this!"

"Very good; render your account. I will render you such moneys as are due."