Then his father rose, and as he passed Michael, who held the door open for him, said: "If you can spare the time, Michael, I would like to have a talk with you when your mother and aunt have gone to bed." That was not very long delayed; Michael imagined that Aunt Barbara must have had a hint, for before half-past ten she announced with a skilfully suppressed laugh that she was about to retire, and kissed Michael affectionately.

Both her laugh and her salute were encouraging; he felt that he was being backed up.

Then a procession of footmen came into the room bearing lemonade and soda water and whiskey and a plate of plain biscuits, and the moment after he was alone with his father.
Lord Ashbridge rose and walked, very tall and majestic, to the fireplace, where he stood for a moment with his back to his son.

Then he turned round.
"Now about this nonsense of your resigning your commission, Michael," he said.

"I don't propose to argue about it, and I am just going to tell you.