Part 29 (1/2)

”I don't know whether you are serious, but it is quite true. I don't wish any unpleasantness between us. I don't think I need say more than that; having thought it over, I don't see how it could ever be.”

”Will you give me your reasons?”

”I really don't see that I can add anything in particular to what I have said.”

”I think, Mr. Arden, considering all that has pa.s.sed between us on this subject, that you are _bound_ to let me know your reasons for so marked a change of opinion.”

”I can't agree with you, Mr. Longcluse. I don't see in the least why I need tell you my particular reasons for the opinion I have expressed. My sister can act for herself, and I certainly shall not account to you for my reasons or opinions in the matter.”

Mr. Longcluse's pale face grew whiter, and his brows knit, as he fixed a momentary stare on the young man; but he mastered his anger, and said in a cold tone--

”We disagree totally upon that point, and I rather think the time will come when you _must_ explain.”

”I have no more to say upon the subject, Sir, except this,” said Arden, very tartly, ”that it is certain your hopes can never lead to anything, and that I object to your continuing your visits at Mortlake.”

”Why, the house does not belong to you--it belongs to Sir Reginald Arden, who objects to your visits and receives mine. Your ideas seem a little confused,” and he laughed gently and coldly.

”Very much the reverse, Sir. I object to my sister being exposed to the least chance of annoyance from your visits. I protest against it, and you will be so good as to understand that I distinctly forbid them.”

”The young lady's father, I presume, will hardly ask your advice in the matter, and _I_ certainly shall not ask your leave. I shall call when I please, so long as I am received at Mortlake, and shall direct my own conduct, without troubling you for counsel in my affairs.” Mr. Longcluse laughed again icily.

”And so shall I, mine,” said Arden sharply.

”You have no right to treat anyone so,” said Longcluse angrily--”as if one had broken his honour, or committed a crime.”

”A crime!” repeated Richard Arden. ”Oh! _That_, indeed, would pretty well end all relations.”

”Yes, as, perhaps, you shall find,” answered Longcluse, with sudden and oracular ferocity.

Each gentleman had gone a little farther than he had at first intended.

Richard Arden had a proud and fierce temper when it was roused. He was near saying what would have amounted to insult. It was a chance opening of the door that prevented it. Both gentlemen had stood up.

”Please, Sir, have you done with the room, Sir?” asked the man.

”Yes,” said Longcluse, and laughed again as he turned on his heel.

”Because three gentlemen want the room, if it's not engaged, Sir. And Lord Wynderbroke is waiting for you, please, Mr. Arden.”

So with a little toss of his head, which he held unusually high, and a flushed and ”glooming” countenance, Richard Arden marched a little swaggeringly forth, to his dinner _tete-a-tete_ with Lord Wynderbroke.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

STORIES ABOUT MR. LONGCLUSE.

The irritation of this unpleasant interview soon subsided, but Mr.

Longcluse's anxiety rather increased.