"I suppose you are at liberty to choose your own time," replied Laurence, insolently.
Margaret colored scarlet; an insult to her cousin seemed given to herself.
"What is the matter?" asked Ralph, in surprise.
"Oh, pay no attention," interposed Margaret, before Laurence could reply. "It is only a slight specimen of Mr. Laurence's civility. He is not satisfied with being rude to me, but must extend his bad manners to my relatives."
"You are at liberty to put any construction you please upon my words or manner," returned Laurence. "I shall not account to either of you."
"To me it is a matter of perfect indifference," said Margaret, haughtily.
Ralph looked from one to the other in pain and astonishment, at a loss what to say or do.
"Now don't quarrel like children," he exclaimed, trying to laugh. "Come, shake hands and be friends."
"Miss Waring's conduct proves how sincerely she desires to be friends," answered Laurence, with a harsh laugh.