The tone of the demands was still polite。
Derek knew how soon that polite tone would change if … if certain news became public property。
He flung himself moodily into a large leather…covered chair。 A damned hole … that was what he was in。 Yes； a damned hole！
And ways of getting out of that damned hole were not too promising。
Pavett appeared with a discreet cough。
〃A gentleman to see you … sir … Major Knighton。〃
〃Knighton； eh？〃
Derek sat up； frowned； became suddenly alert。 He said in a softer tone； almost to himself：
〃Knighton … I wonder what is in the wind now？〃
〃Shall I … er … show him in； sir？〃
His master nodded。 When Knighton entered the room he found a charming and genial host awaiting him。
〃Very good of you to look me up；〃 said Derek。
Knighton was nervous。
The other's keen eyes noticed that at once。
The errand on which the secretary had e was clearly distasteful to him。 He replied almost mechanically to Derek's easy flow of conversation。 He declined a drink； and； if anything； his manner became stiffer than before。
Derek appeared at last to notice it。
〃Well；〃 he said cheerfully； 〃what does my esteemed father…in…law want with me？ You have e on his business； I take it？〃
Knighton did not smile in reply。
〃I have； yes；〃 he said carefully。 〃I … I wish Mr Van Aldin had chosen someone else。〃
Derek raised his eyebrows in mock dismay。
〃Is i