Now--looking at him microscopically--is there much to love and to honour in Admiral Rankling?
An austere sailor! All bows abroad, and stern at home. Well, then--knowing what occurred last night--is there anything to love and to honour in Mr. Queckett?
[_Annoyed._] And yet he is undoubtedly the superior of Admiral Rankling. Very well then--do as I mean to do--put your foot down. If heaven has gifted you with a large one, so much the better. [_The voices of Queckett and Rankling are heard suddenly raised in the adjoining room._]
[_In the distance._] I'll trouble you, sir!
[_To Mrs. Rankling._] Come away, and I will advise you. Bring your head with you. [_Miss Dyott and Mrs. Rankling carrying the broken bust, hurry out as Queckett enters quickly, followed by Rankling._]
Admiral Rankling, I shall mark my opinion of your behaviour--through the post.
Thank you--I've been sitting, I sat on you on the sofa.
Sit down. [_Queckett sits promptly._] As an old friend of your family, Mr. Queckett, I am going to have a quiet chat with you on family matters. [_Rankling wheels the arm-chair near Queckett._]
[_To himself _] I don't like his calmness--I don't like his calmness. [_Rankling sits bending forward, and glaring at Queckett._]
[_Grimly._] How is your sister Janet? Quite well, eh? [_Fiercely._] Tell me--without a moment's delay, sir--how is Janet?
Permit me to say, Admiral Rankling, that whatever your standing with other members of my family, you have _no_ acquaintance with the lady you mention.
Oh, haven't I? [_.Drawing his chair nearer Queckett._] Very well, then. Is Griffin quite well--Finch-Griffin of the Berkshire Royals?
I do not know how Major Griffin is, and I feel I do not care.
Oh, you don't. Very well, then. [_Drawing his chair still nearer Queckett._] Will you answer me one simple but important question?
If it be a question a gentleman may answer--certainly.
How often do you hear from your brother Tankerville?
[_Clutching Queckett's knee._] He's Deputy Inspector of Prisons in British Guiana, you know. Doesn't have time to write often, does he?
Admiral Rankling, you will permit me to remind you that in families of long standing and complicated interests there are regrettable estrangements which should be lightly dealt with. [_Affected._] You have recalled memories. [_Rising._] Excuse me.