He looked up and perceived that the gentleman was laughing.

“Yes, Mr. Chilter, a very serious grudge: you have described me as fat!”

Chilter nearly fainted.

“ You , sir,” he gasped, and stared in amazement.

“Also that I swear dreadfully in my speech, and that I have a scar running from my mouth to my chin.”

Mr. Chilter stood stock-still in the middle of the path.