Trees hid him from them; a seat invited him.

For a moment he struggled.

Then, _rubesco referens_, he sat down and deliberately listened.

With the sophisms by which he sought to justify this action, we have no concern; perhaps he was not in reality much concerned about them.

But what he heard had its importance.
"I have been more patient than most men," Haddington was saying.
"You have no right to speak in that way," Kate protested; "it's--it's not respectful." "Kate, have we not got beyond respect ?" "I hope not," said Sir Roderick to himself.
"I mean," Haddington went on, "there is a point at which you must face realities.