'What--what do you mean by daring to enter my room

　　'What--what do you mean by daring to enter my room?' she cried.
　　The man held his ground, unmoved. His bearing was a curious blendof diffidence and aggressiveness. He was determined, butapologetic. A hired assassin of the Middle Ages, resolved to dohis job loyally, yet conscious of causing inconvenience to hisvictim, might have looked the same.
　　'I am sorry,' he said, 'but I must ask you to let me have the boy,Mrs Ford.'
　　Cynthia was herself again now. She raked the intruder with thecool stare which had so disconcerted Lord Mountry.
　　'Who is this gentleman?' she asked languidly.
　　The intruder was made of tougher stuff than his lordship. He mether eye with quiet firmness.
　　'My name is Mennick,' he said. 'I am Mr Elmer Ford's privatesecretary.'
　　'What do you want?' said Mrs Ford.
　　'I have already explained what I want, Mrs Ford. I want Ogden.'
　　Cynthia raised her eyebrows.
　　'What _does_ he mean, Nesta? Ogden is not here.'
　　Mr Mennick produced from his breast-pocket a telegraph form, andin his quiet, business-like way proceeded to straighten it out.
　　'I have here,' he said, 'a telegram from Mr Broster, Ogden'stutor. It was one of the conditions of his engagement that if everhe was not certain of Ogden's whereabouts he should let me know atonce. He tells me that early this afternoon he left Ogden in thecompany of a strange young lady'--Mr Mennick's spectacles flashedfor a moment at Cynthia--'and that, when he returned, both of themhad disappeared. He made inquiries and discovered that this younglady caught the 1.15 express to London, Ogden with her. On receiptof this information I at once wired to Mr Ford for instructions. Ihave his reply'--he fished for and produced a second telegram--'here.'
　　'I still fail to see what brings you here,' said Mrs Ford. 'Owingto the gross carelessness of his father's employees, my sonappears to have been kidnapped. That is no reason--'
　　'I will read Mr Ford's telegram,' proceeded Mr Mennick unmoved.
　　'It is rather long. I think Mr Ford is somewhat annoyed. "The boyhas obviously been stolen by some hireling of his mother's." I amreading Mr Ford's actual words,' he said, addressing Cynthia withthat touch of diffidence which had marked his manner since hisentrance.
　　'Don't apologize,' said Cynthia, with a short laugh. 'You're notresponsible for Mr Ford's rudeness.'
　　Mr Mennick bowed.
　　'He continued: "Remove him from her illegal restraint. Ifnecessary call in police and employ force."'
　　'Charming!' said Mrs Ford.
　　'Practical,' said Mr Mennick. 'There is more. "Before doinganything else sack that fool of a tutor, then go to Agency andhave them recommend good private school for boy. On no accountengage another tutor. They make me tired. Fix all this today. SendOgden back to Eastnor with Mrs Sheridan. She will stay there withhim till further notice." That is Mr Ford's message.'
　　Mr Mennick folded both documents carefully and replaced them inhis pocket.
　　Mrs Ford looked at the clock.
　　'And now, would you mind going, Mr Mennick?'
　　'I am sorry to appear discourteous, Mrs Ford, but I cannot gowithout Ogden.'