"I'm very sorry, my lord, about the roses." He held out the two pound
notes. "I entirely forgot them."

Lord Pomfret snatched the notes out of his hand.

Anthony turned to go.

"Here!" Anthony stopped in his stride, hesitated, and then turned back.
"What d'you mean, 'you forgot'? It's a lie. This is the second time
you've let me down, you wash-out. And if you think----"

"My lord, I tell you----"

"Don't dare to answer me," raved the other. "I won't have it. Listen
to me. My mother doesn't approve of servants who stay out all
night--even if they are gentlemen. I'll bet you're ready to pitch a
hell of a tale, but it's no good, Lyveden. D'you hear? It's no good.
You see, I answered the telephone on Friday, when your lady-friend rang
up about the dog.... I know that dog, Lyveden, I've had one myself.
And, what's more, I happened to be at Marylebone this morning.... Yes.
That was a bit of bad luck, wasn't it? So next time you want a
week-end----"

Anthony hit him full on the mouth.

The other reeled backward, tripped over a rug, and fell heavily. He
was up in an instant, and came at Anthony, bellowing like a madman.

Anthony, who was now quite cool, hit him between the eyes.

For the second time Lord Pomfret went down.

Again he got up, to hurl himself at his assailant, mouthing obscenity.

Anthony side-stepped and hit him under the jaw as hard as he could.

Lord Pomfret fell flat on his back and lay perfectly still....

The silence was broken by the sound of a dry laugh.

Anthony swung on his heel, to see the Marquess of Banff in the library
doorway.

"He's got a lot to learn yet," observed that nobleman, glancing at his
recumbent offspring. "A deuce of a lot." He put up his eyeglasses and
stared at Anthony. "If I'd known you could box, you should have given
him a hour a day. Too late now. You'll have to go, of course. What
are your wages?"

"Six pounds a month, my lord," stammered Anthony.

The Marquess took out a note-case and extracted six notes.

"Does he owe you anything?" he said, peering.

"No, my lord."

In silence the money passed.

"Better get out at once," said the Marquess shortly.

"I'm--I'm very sorry, my lord, that this should have happened."

"Tck! I heard what he said. I don't blame you. If you want a
reference, you can give my name. That'll do."

Anthony bowed and left him. The sprawling figure was showing signs of
life. He passed through the hal