He spoke deliberately, as one choosing his words.

His face was stern.

"I don't want to know the joke if it's private.

But I should like to know how long you want to be away." "How long?
How the devil can I tell ?" growled Sir Beverley.

"Till I've had enough of it, I suppose." "Does it depend on that only ?" said Piers.
Sir Beverley pushed back his chair with fierce impatience.