Captain Protheroe stared for a moment in amazement. Then he gave a quick exclamation of annoyance and embarrassment.
"Peste!" he muttered. "I had entirely forgotten you were o' the other party."
"Maybe, sir, but that is no excuse for your words."
The officer rose to his feet, looking annoyed and troubled.
"My words! I am sorry they offend you. Had I but remembered your presence I had not spoken so rashly, perchance. But—the words are spoken, and"—with a shrug, "i' faith, I cannot alter facts."
"Facts! The whole story is a dastardly lie."
"Sir!"
"And you shall give me satisfaction."
"With the greatest pleasure, sir, as soon as I can come by a sword. I shall enjoy nothing more."
Barbara gazed desperately from one angry man to the other, hesitating what best to do. Then she stepped between them with quiet dignity.