He saw the lips join in a hard line, and began to wonder whether, after all, the need for diplomacy had passed.
'I begin to appreciate the meaning of journalistic enterprise,' said Drake.

'Your editor makes a violent attack upon me, and then sends a member of his staff to interview me the moment I set foot in England.' 'You hardly take the correct view, if I may say so.

Our chief when he made the attacks acted under a sense of responsibility, and he thought it only fair that you should have the earliest possible opportunity of making your defence.' 'I beg your pardon,' replied Drake gravely.

'Your chief is the most considerate of men, and I trust that his equity will leave him a margin of profit, only I don't seem to feel that I need make any defence.

I have no objection to be interviewed, as I told you, but you must make it clear that I intend nothing in the way of apology.