Page:The time spirit; a romantic tale (IA timespiritromant00snaiiala).pdf/262

 *ation." Sir Dugald had constrained a harsh accent to the point of mellowness. "Let me say at once that if you don't withdraw your opposition it is in my power to make myself rather unpleasant."

"Nature has relieved you of any obligation in that matter. You are the most unpleasant man I have ever had to do with."

"Let me outline the position." The mellifluous note spurred his Grace to fury. "Mr. Dinneford and Miss Lawrence, Lady Muriel and I are determined to marry and we must have your consent."

"And if I don't give it?" The tone matched the truculent eyes.

"I may be tempted to use my knowledge in a way which will be much more disagreeable than the things you wish to prevent."

"Do I understand this to be a threat?"

Sir Dugald smiled darkly.

"Very well!" Defiance and resentment rode the Duke very hard. "Use your knowledge as you like. You are a scoundrel."

"A hard name." Again the Duke was met by a saturnine Scottish smile. "But my motives are sound."

"So are mine." The Duke's voice shook with fury. "If you are not careful I will have you put out of the house."

"We are not living in the Middle Ages, you know."

"More's the pity. I'd have found a short way with you then, my friend. Your wanting to marry Muriel is bad enough, your interference with Dinneford is an outrage."