"And left him with a distinct and satisfactory assurance of his amicable intentions ?" "No," said Richard.
"Not ?" the Feverels joined in astounded chorus.
Richard sidled away from his father, and repeated a shamefaced "No." "Was he hostile ?" inquired Adrian, smoothing his palms, and smiling.
"Yes," the boy confessed.
Here was quite another view of their position.

Adrian, generally patient of results, triumphed strongly at having evoked it, and turned upon Austin Wentworth, reproving him for inducing the boy to go down to Belthorpe.

Austin looked grieved.

He feared that Richard had faded in his good resolve.
"I thought it his duty to go," he observed.
"It was!" said the baronet, emphatically.
"And you see what comes of it, sir," Adrian struck in.

"These agricultural gentlemen, I repeat, are delicate customers to deal with.
For my part I would prefer being in the hands of a policeman.