He had very nearly paid with his life for the joy of having roused that supercilious and dormant lion.

In fact he was ready to welcome any insults from Sir Percy Blakeney now, since these would be only additional evidences that the Englishman's temper was not yet under control.
"I will try to be brief, Sir Percy," he said, setting himself the task of imitating his antagonist's affected manner.

"Will you not sit down ?...

We must try and discuss these matters like two men of the world....

As for me, I am always happiest beside a board littered with papers....