“That is an insulting remark, Mr Simpson,” he said. He looked round and met the eyes of Chalk and Caldwell, who were suddenly grave; Simpson was still merely stupid. “For that I shall have to ask satisfaction.”
“Satisfaction?” said Chalk hastily. “Come, come. Mr Simpson had a momentary loss of temper. I am sure he will explain.”
“I have been accused of cheating at cards,” said Hornblower. “That is a hard thing to explain away.”