“This action annoyed Charley.
“He bit his lip, and changed colour.
“At length he said, with a forced laugh,
“‘I must confess, brother, that you carry out your affection for our fair cousin, Leoline, to a degree that even relationship cannot warrant.’
“‘True,’ said Ned, calmly, ‘I love her with an affection surpassing that of blood.’
“‘How?’ said Charley, fiercely, with blood mounting to his temples. ‘Do you dare to think of Leoline as a bride, then?’
“‘Dare?’ said Ned, turning pale, and drawing himself up to his greatest height.
“‘Yes, I have said the word,’ Charley remarked, boldly. ‘You must know that I also love Leoline. I, too, claim her as my bride, and never, while I can wield a sword, will I surrender my claim to any living rival. Even,’ he added, sinking his voice, ‘though that rival be my own brother.’
“Ned answered not.
“His very soul seemed stunned.