Geoffrey had not exaggerated his position with his father.

Lord Holchester had twice paid his debts, and had declined to see him since.

One more outrage on his father's rigid sense of propriety, and he would be left out of the will as well as kept out of the house.

He looked for a means of retreat, in case there was no escaping unperceived by the front entrance.
A door--intended for the use of servants, when picnics and gipsy tea-parties were given in the summer-house--had been made in the back wall.

It opened outward, and it was locked.