But it was abundantly clear at this moment that this apparently easy operation was out of his reach.
He got up with more amenity in his manner than he had yet shown, and laid his hand on Michael's shoulder as he stood in front of him, evidently quite prepared to go away.
"Come, my dear Michael.

This won't do," he said.

"I thought it best to treat your absurd schemes with a certain lightness, and I have only succeeded in irritating you." Michael was perfectly aware that he had scored.

And as his object was to score he made another criticism.
"When you say 'absurd schemes,' sir," he said, with quiet respect, "are you not still laughing at them ?" Lord Ashbridge again retreated strategically.
"Very well; I withdraw absurd," he said.

"Now sit down again, and we will talk.