"Do you see what he has just done ?" she said to Mrs.Vimpany.
The doctor's wife answered softly: "I don't understand it." After a glance at her husband, she took Iris by the hand: "Dear Miss Henley, shall we retire to my room ?" Iris drew her hand away.

"Not unless Mr.Mountjoy wishes it," she said.
"Certainly not!" Hugh declared.

"Pray remain here; your presence will help me to keep my temper." He stepped up to Mr.Vimpany.

"Have you any particular reason for opening that door ?" he asked.
The doctor was a rascal; but, to do him justice, he was no coward.
"Yes," he said, "I have a reason." "What is it, if you please ?" "Christian forbearance," Mr.Vimpany answered.
"Forbearance towards me ?" Mountjoy continued.
The doctor's dignity suddenly deserted him.
"Aha, my boy, you have got it at last!" he cried.

"It's pleasant to understand each other, isn't it?
You see, I'm a plain-spoken fellow; I don't wish to give offence.