Trent read the letter through twice and locked it up in his desk.

Then he rose and lit a pipe, knocking out the ashes carefully and filling the bowl with dark but fragrant tobacco.
Presently he rang the bell.
"Tell Mr.Da Souza I wish to see him here at once," he told the servant, and, though the message was a trifle peremptory from a host to his guest, Da Souza promptly appeared, suave and cheerful.
"Shut the door," Trent said shortly.
Da Souza obeyed with unabashed amiability.

Trent watched him with something like disgust.

Da Souza returning caught the look, and felt compelled to protest.
"My dear Trent," he said, "I do not like the way you address me, or your manners towards me.

You speak as though I were a servant.