Every nerve in George's body quivered with passion and pain.
'You can't frighten me with bluster,' said young Mr. Million, who was no coward, 'although you may try to frighten ladies with it. As my presence here is likely to cause farther pain to a lady whom I esteem'--with a respectful look towards Bessie, which caused George to press his nails into his palms--'I will take my leave, unless Mr. Sparrow wishes me to stay as a protection to him and his granddaughter.'
'No, sir; I thank you,' replied Ben Sparrow sorrowfully. 'George Naldret can do my child no more harm than he has done already.'
'Then I will go;' and he moved towards the door, 'first saying, however, that I tried to be this man's friend--'indicating George with a contemptuous motion of his hand, and repeating, 'that I tried to be his friend----'
'You lie!' cried George.
'--Thinking,' continued young Mr. Million, with quiet disdain, 'that he was better than others of his class. But I was mistaken. Mr. Sparrow, you exonerate me from all blame in what has taken place?'
'Entirely, sir,' said Ben Sparrow, in a sad and troubled voice.
'I wish you and your grandchild good-day, then, and leave my hearty sympathy behind me.'
With these words, and with a triumphant look at George, the idle young dog took his departure. Then, after a brief pause, George said:
'I have nothing more to stop for now.'