I will have no mumming in my house." He rapped his foot fiercely on the floor, staring down at Chris who had thrown himself back on his heels.
"Stand up, sir," he said again.
"Will you hear me, brother ?" Ralph hesitated.
"I will hear you if you will talk reason.

I think you are mad." Chris got up again.

He was trembling violently, and his hands twitched and clenched by his sides.
"Then you shall hear me," he said, and his voice shook as he spoke.

"It is this--" "You must sit down," interrupted Ralph, and he pointed to the chair behind.
Chris went to it and sat down.

Ralph took a step across to the door and opened it.
"Morris," he called, and came back to his chair.
There was silence a moment or two, till the servant's step sounded in the hall, and the door opened.