This, like the interview of the previous night, was conducted upon strictly high-bred and gentlemanly lines.
"And I to mine," he said.

"That is why I took the liberty of calling at this early hour.

I thought that perhaps we might effect some sort of a compromise." "It is very good of you to make the proposal." Sir John kept his fingers away from his lips by an obvious exercise of self-control.

"I am not partial to compromises: they savour of commerce." Jack gave a queer, curt nod, and moved towards the door.

Sir John extended his unsteady hand and rang the bell.
"Good-morning," he said.
"Graves," he added, to the servant who stood in the doorway, "when you have closed the door behind Mr.Meredith, bring up breakfast, if you please." On the doorstep Jack Meredith looked at his watch.