It was a scornful laugh.

My anger was roused in behalf of an absent, friendless stranger.

I rose (for I had been sitting down).
"Gentlemen," I said with dignity, "I will not remain one of this Club allowing opprobrium to be cast on an unoffending person in his absence.
I will not so violate what I call the sacred rites of hospitality.
Gentlemen, until you know how to behave yourselves better, I leave you.
Gentlemen, until then I withdraw, from this place of meeting, whatever personal qualifications I may have brought into it.

Gentlemen, until then you cease to be the Eight Club, and must make the best you can of becoming the Seven." I put on my hat and retired.

As I went down stairs I distinctly heard them give a suppressed cheer.