"I'll put my foot down now, once and for ever." He tugged at his sleeve to free himself from his son's grasp.
"At least you shall not go without Laura knowing.

I will call her down, and we shall have her opinion." "Oh, I don't want to have any scenes," said McIntyre sulkily, relaxing his efforts.

He lived in dread of his daughter, and at his worst moments the mention of her name would serve to restrain him.
"Besides," said Robert, "I have not the slightest doubt that Raffles Haw will see the necessity for giving us some sort of explanation before matters go further.

He must understand that we have some claim now to be taken into his confidence." He had hardly spoken when there was a tap at the door, and the man of whom they were speaking walked in.
"Good-morning, Mr.McIntyre," said he.

"Robert, would you mind stepping up to the Hall with me?
I want to have a little business chat." He looked serious, like a man who is carrying out something which he has well weighed.
They walked up together with hardly a word on either side.