The lieutenant stepped to his side and said something low and rapid, something which should have made a right-minded donkey-driver touch his hat and slink off.

But Tony held his ground with a laugh which was more impertinent than the stare had been.

The lieutenant's face flushed angrily and his hand half instinctively went to his sword.
Constance stepped forward.
"Tony! I shall have no further need of your services.

You may go." Tony suddenly came to his senses.
"I--beg your pardon, Miss Wilder," he stammered.
"I shall not want you again; please go." She turned her back and joined the others.
The two officers with final salutes took themselves off.

Miss Hazel hurried indoors to make ready for dinner; Mr.Wilder followed in her wake, muttering something about finding the change to pay Tony.