Completely subservient himself to the conventions which he so much enjoyed, it was like the defiance of a child to say such things.

He only just checked himself from laughing again.
"I refuse to take that answer from you," he said.
"I have no other to give you," said Michael.

"But I should like to say once more that I am sorry to disobey your wishes." The repetition took away his desire to laugh.

In fact, he could not have laughed.
"I don't want to threaten you, Michael," he said.

"But you may know that I have a very free hand in the disposal of my property." "Is that a threat ?" asked Michael.
"It is a hint." "Then, father, I can only say that I should be perfectly satisfied with anything you may do," said Michael.