'Go,' he said.
As though frightened out of their wits, they made for the door and with a
bustling hurry flung themselves out. A torpid smile crossed his face as
he watched them go. Then he moved a step nearer his visitors. His manner
had still the insolent urbanity which was customary to him.
'And now, my friends, will you tell me how I can be of service to you?'
'I have come about Margaret's death,' said Arthur.
Haddo, as was his habit, did not immediately answer. He looked slowly
from Arthur to Dr Porhoet, and from Dr Porhoet to Susie. His eyes rested
on her hat, and she felt uncomfortably that he was inventing some gibe
about it.
'I should have thought this hardly the moment to intrude upon my sorrow,'
he said at last. 'If you have condolences to offer, I venture to suggest
that you might conveniently send them by means of the penny post.'
Arthur frowned.
'Why did you not let me know that she was ill?' he asked.
'Strange as it may seem to you, my worthy friend, it never occurred to me
that my wife's health could be any business of yours.
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