“Well, that is vastly fine; but plain speech in these days helps a man along faster than the chivalry of all the old crusaders could do,” said Butler, carelessly. “Out in the woods here, fine speeches and poetic sentiments are thrown away.”
“That depends entirely upon the person with whom one chances to come in contact. I have seen as true gentlemen in the wilds of this new world as I ever met at the court of a European sovereign.”
“Of course,” returned Butler, laughing; “you and I live here, you know, following your grand old father’s example.”
Sir John’s lip curled, for this attempt at playfulness was even more distasteful to him than the man’s previous conversation had been, and without reply he resumed the scrutiny of the document which Butler had placed in his hands.
“What the deuce could have put it into Catharine Montour’s head to come out here and marry my dusky father-in-law?” continued the young man. “She must have been mad—or worse——”
“Doubtless she is a better judge of her own actions than either you or I,” replied Sir John, losing all patience with his guest.
“Oh, I’ll wager that she had some good reason,” sneered Butler, irritated by the other’s haughtiness, and his own failure at discovering the amount of fortune which he hoped one day to claim. “Women don’t do those out-of-the-way things unless they are forced. Now, be honest, Sir John, and tell me why this woman left a high position and great wealth in her own country, and came here to act the part of a Shawnee squaw in the valley of the Mohawk.”
“There are many good motives which might have prompted an act like that,” said Sir John, gravely; “the good which she could do among those ignorant savages—the forbearance and cessation from cruelty which she is able to teach them——”
“Stuff and nonsense! Catch an old bird with chaff, if you can! No, no, I’m not fool enough to believe that Catharine Montour came over here for any such reason! There’s some confounded mystery somewhere, and sooner or later I’ll get to the bottom of it. Take my head for a target, if you don’t find that my Lady Granby had played out her game in England, and found it convenient to disappear from among the haughty dames of England.”
“Stop, sir!” exclaimed a low voice, that made both listeners start, as if a thunder-clap had burst over their heads. “Couple the Lady Granby’s name with insult again, and it is to me that you must answer for it!”