With his hands in his pockets he nonchalantly opposed his insolence to the other man's half-tipsy tyranny.
And Anne Carfax sat silent behind the tea-table and endured the encounter with a mask-like patience that betrayed no faintest hint of what she carried in her heart.
"Well, what do you want to see me for ?" Sir Giles demanded, with a ferocious kick at the coals.
Nap was quite ready with his answer.

"I am really here on my brother's behalf.

There is a scheme afoot, as no doubt you know, for the building of a Town Hall.

My brother considers that the lord of the Manor"-- he bowed with thinly-veiled irony--"should have first say in the matter.

But I am at liberty to assure you that should you be in favour of the scheme he is ready to offer you his hearty support." Sir Giles heard him out with lowering brows.