He respectfully entreated her Ladyship to grant him a delay of a few weeks before he entered on his explanation.

Lady Lydiard's quick temper resented his request.

She told Moody plainly that he was guilty of an act of presumption in making his own conditions with his employer.

He received the reproof with exemplary resignation; but he held to his conditions nevertheless.

From that moment the result of the interview was no longer in doubt.