And after all they're Dangerfields, Sir James; and you couldn't expect them to behave like ordinary children," said Mawley in the tone and manner of a persuasive diplomat.
"Well, I don't see myself giving them leave to fish," said Sir James.
"There are none too many fish in the stream as it is; and a couple of noisy children won't make those easier to catch.

But I may as well tell them so myself; so you may bring them here." Mawley fetched the Twins and ushered them into the smoking-room.

They entered it with the self-possessed air of persons quite sure of themselves, and greeted Sir James politely.
He was somewhat taken aback by their appearance and air, for his steward had somehow given him the impression that they were thick, red-faced and robustious.

He felt that these pleasant-looking young gentlefolk could never have really earned their unfortunate reputation.
There must be a mistake somewhere.
The Twins were, on their part also, far more favorably impressed by him than they had looked to be; his lean tanned face, with the rather large arched nose, the thin-lipped melancholy mouth, not at all hidden by the small clipped mustache, and his keen eyes, almost as blue as those of the Terror, pleased them.

He looked an uncommonly dependable baronet.
"Well, and what is this important matter you wished to see me about ?" he said in a more indulgent tone than he had expected to use.
"We saw you in Glazebrook's meadow this afternoon--poaching," said the Terror in a gentle, almost deprecatory tone.
Sir James sat rather more upright in his chair, with a sudden sense of discomfort.