Still, as the story proceeded, a little blood crept into his cheeks, while Winston guessed that he found it difficult to retain his grim immobility.
"I am to understand that an attempt to reach the Grange through the snow would have been perilous ?" he said.
"Yes," said Winston quietly.
The older man stood very still regarding him intently, until he said, "I don't mind admitting that it was distinctly regrettable!" Winston stopped him with a gesture.

"It was at least unavoidable, sir.
The team would not face the snow, and no one could have reached the Grange alive." "No doubt you did your best--and, as a connection of the family, I am glad it was you.

Still--and there are cases in which it is desirable to speak plainly--the affair, which you will, of course, dismiss from your recollection, is to be considered as closed now." Winston smiled, and a trace of irony he could not quite repress was just discernible in his voice.

"I scarcely think that was necessary, sir.

It is, of course, sufficient for me to have rendered a small service to the distinguished family which has given me an opportunity; of proving my right to recognition, and neither you, nor Miss Barrington, need have any apprehension that I will presume upon it!" Barrington wheeled round.