I suppose there's no fear of being intruded on here?
None of your acquaintances likely to be introducing themselves to me ?' 'There is not one that I would introduce to you,' said Evan.
The Major nodded a brief recognition of the compliment, and then, throwing his back against the chair, fired out: 'Come, sir, is this your doing ?' In military phrase, Evan now changed front.

His first thought had been that the Major had come for his wife.

He perceived that he himself was the special object of his visitation.
'I must ask you what you allude to,' he answered.
'You are not at your office, but you will speak to me as if there was some distinction between us,' said the Major.

'My having married your sister does not reduce me to the ranks, I hope.' The Major drummed his knuckles on the table, after this impressive delivery.
'Hem!' he resumed.

'Now, sir, understand, before you speak a word, that I can see through any number of infernal lies.