"Some trouble with--my cousin?"
"Yes, sir," I said, hoarsely; and for a few minutes the words would not
come, the incidents of the past twenty-four hours having upset me more
than I was aware.
"Don't hurry, my boy, don't hurry; and don't question him, Alexes. Did
you walk up?"
"Yes, sir."
"Ah, a nice day for walking. We two ought to have had ours, but some
letters--a little business--kept us in. We have had a very long
communication from my wife's brother, and it necessitates a great deal
of thinking at our time of life."
"I--I have left Mr Dempster, sir," I said.
"Indeed! I am not surprised, Mayne, and--bless me! what is the matter
with your ear?"
The words came now, and I told him everything, while before I had half
got through my narrative, Mr John was upon his legs tramping excitedly
up and down the little room, and uttering angry ejaculations from time
to time.
"You--you are not very angry with me?"
"Angry?" he cried. "I am more than angry that such a thing could have
happened, and the principal actor in it have been one who bears the same
name as myself. It is cruel--scandalous--disgraceful; and above all, to
have exposed you to such an indignity--in custody like a common thief!
But there, you shall not continue in his office."