"And another flogging to-night if he doesn't apologize.

He says he'll die first." "So would I," breathed Gracie.
At this juncture the door swung open with stately precision, and Mr.
Lorimer entered.

Everyone rose, according to established custom, with the exceptions of Avery and Jeanie.

Gracie's fingers tightened convulsively upon Avery's hand, and she turned as white as the table-cloth.
Mr.Lorimer, however, looked over her head as if she did not exist, and addressed Avery.
"Mrs.Denys, be so good as to spare me two minutes in the study!" he said with extreme formality.
"Certainly," Avery made quiet reply.

"I will come to you before I go back to Mrs.Lorimer." He raised his brows slightly, as if he had expected a more prompt compliance with his request.