Malcourt was patient with him to the verge of indifference.
"There's nothing to blow up about.

Hastings is competent to manage things--" "That conceited pup!" "Hastings understands," repeated Malcourt, in a listless voice.

"I've always counted on Alexander Hastings for any emergency.

He knows things, and he's capable....

Only don't be brusque.