"I hardly know how to explain all the circumstances under which this has been done."
"I dare say not; but, nevertheless, you must explain them."
Grey was a man tranquil in temperament, very little prone to quarrelling, with perhaps an exaggerated idea of the evil results of a row,--a man who would take infinite trouble to avoid any such scene as that which now seemed to be imminent; but he was a man whose courage was quite as high as that of his opponent. To bully or be bullied were alike contrary to his nature. It was clear enough now that Vavasor intended to bully him, and he made up his mind at once that if the quarrel were forced upon him it should find him ready to take his own part. "My difficulty in explaining it comes from consideration for you," he said.
"Then I beg that your difficulty will cease, and that you will have no consideration for me. We are so circumstanced towards each other that any consideration must be humbug and nonsense. At any rate, I intend to have none for you. Now, let me know why you have meddled with my matters."

"I hardly know how to explain all the circumstances under which this has been done."
"Nevertheless, you must explain them."
Grey was a tranquil man, who would take trouble to avoid a quarrel; but his courage was quite as high as his opponent's. It was clear that Vavasor intended to bully him, and he made up his mind at once that he was ready for a quarrel.
"My difficulty in explaining it comes from consideration for you," he said.
"Then I beg you to have no consideration for me. I intend to have no consideration for you. Now, let me know why you have meddled."
