Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/293

 "Quite right, Peter, you didn't. Sit down, please, How the deuce can we carry on a sober business conference if you insist on acting jack-in-the-box? I am the one forced to make appeals, and I appeal to you now, Alexander, as I have already appealed to Peter here, for a settlement between you two."

"I cherish no rancour in this matter, Stranleigh," said Corbitt, "and furthermore, am under no illusion regarding my own position. I quite realise that you can dismiss me at any moment, but while I am manager at Selwyn's Bank I shall act entirely in the interests of Selwyn's Bank."

"Good man," murmured Stranleigh gently. "This is but another phase, Alexander, of your threat to resign, that terrified our mutual friend, Sir George Selwyn, into granting your request. Now, Sir George is a notable business man, and doubtless his surrender to you was wise. I am not a business man, and, wise or unwise, I'm not going to surrender. Now, I wish to ask you a question, and if you do not answer it in the affirmative, I shall be anxious to learn what is the reason of your reply. My question is this: Have I a right to dispose of my own property as best pleases me? Now, do not answer rashly, because if you answer in the negative I had no right to give you that power of attorney."