She then told him most but not all of what had taken place.
“It _is_ awkward. Do you think he’ll come again?”
“Sure to, that’s the trouble. Nothing I can say—or you—will stop him. You don’t know what he is. We’re safe for to-night, so you needn’t worry about that, but what can we do? There mustn’t be a row, for your sake. Hullo! there’s somebody, and not a thing ready.”
“All the better—all the more like a picnic. It’s Fred. Come along, we appoint you chef. Marian shall be kitchen maid. I’ll lay the table.”
MADDISON was not surprised at a visit from Squire early the next morning; and if not armed he was at any rate forewarned.
He offered him a chair and a cigarette, both of which were curtly refused.
“As you will,” Maddison said, seemingly careless and supercilious, but in reality closely watching his opponent’s face. “I hope you will not mind my both sitting and smoking; both are conducive to comfort, and what’s life without comfort?”
“It will be better,” Squire said, shuffling awkwardly, “to talk simply and without any remarks which are likely to be offensive. You know why I’ve come?”
“Unless you tell me I shall never know. This visit seems as useless as it is unpleasant. I can’t think what you have to say which wouldn’t be better unsaid.”
“No, I suppose you cannot. I suppose we look at almost everything from a different standpoint. I’ve come to say——”
“You are presuming, Mr. Squire, that I am willing to listen to you.”
“Naturally. You allowed your servant to show me in.”
“I beg your pardon, you’re _quite_ right. But I do wish you’d sit down; it makes me feel so awkward to see you standing up.”
“I saw Marian last night,” Squire said, taking no notice of Maddison’s remark; “I suppose she told you.”
“Yes. The meeting annoyed her very much. It was natural for you to assume that I let you in because I was willing to listen to you. As a matter of fact, it was because I must absolutely refuse to do so. But, unless _you_ refuse to hear me, I’ve just this much to tell you. The lady you mentioned is living under my care, and I will protect her against annoyance. If you have any communication to make I will send you my solicitor’s name and address. Now—you’d better go.”
“Even if she were not my wife, I’ve a right to do all I can to rescue her from a life of sin.”