The laborers burst out laughing. Silas fixed his eyes on me with a
stare of angry surprise. John Jago, immediately recovering his
self-possession, took off his hat, and made me a deferential bow.

"I had no idea, Mr. Lefrank, that we were disturbing you," he said. "I
am very much ashamed of myself, sir. I beg to apologize."

"I accept your apology, Mr. Jago," I answered, "on the understanding
that you, as the older man, will set the example of forbearance if your
temper is tried on any future occasion as it has been tried today. And
I have further to request," I added, addressing myself to Silas, "that
you will do me a favor, as your father's guest. The next time your good
spirits lead you into making jokes at Mr. Jago's expense, don't carry
them quite so far. I am sure you meant no harm, Mr. Silas. Will you
gratify me by saying so yourself? I want to see you and Mr. Jago shake
hands."

John Jago instantly held out his hand, with an assumption of good
feeling which was a little overacted, to my thinking. Silas Meadowcroft
made no advance of the same friendly sort on his side.

"Let him go about his business," said Silas. "I won't waste any more
words on him, Mr. Lefrank, to please _you_. But (saving your presence)
I'm d--d if I take his hand!"

Further persuasion was plainly useless, addressed to such a man as
this. Silas gave me no further opportunity of remonstrating with him,
even if I had been inclined to do so. He turned about in sulky silence,
and, retracing his steps along the path, disappeared round the corner
of the house. The laborers withdrew next, in different directions, to