But when they rose Michael signed to his cousin to go on, and planted himself firmly in the path to the door.

It was evident that his father did not mean to speak to him, but he could not push by him or walk over him.
"There is one thing I want to say to you, father," said he.

"I have told my mother that our interview this morning was quite amicable.

I do not see why she should be distressed by knowing that it was not." His father's face softened a moment.
"Yes, I agree to that," he said.
As far as that went, the compact was observed, and whenever Lady Ashbridge was present her husband made a point of addressing a few remarks to Michael, but there their intercourse ended.

Michael found opportunity to explain to Aunt Barbara what had happened, suggesting as a consolatory simile the domestic difficulties of the seals at the Zoological Gardens, and was pleased to find her recognise the aptness of this description.