"Being, as it seems to me, upon my trial--" said Inglefield, and paused, for the purpose of ascertaining whether this statement was in consonance with Mr. Manners's intention.
Mr. Manners nodded, and said:
"Yes, Inglefield. You may consider that to some extent you are upon your trial."
"That being the case, sir, it strikes me that you have already formed a judgment, without hearing what I may have to say."
"I should be sorry to think so. Tell me in what way you suppose I have done this."
"You speak of the person your son married as a lady."
"Well?"
"That is not how I should describe her."
"Your remark tallies with what you said against her many years ago. But I shall continue to speak of her and to regard her as a lady until I have evidence to the contrary."
"Have you seen her, then, lately," asked Inglefield, "as well as the scoundrel who has brought these monstrous charges against me?"