"Oh! certainly; I can forgive anything to the brother of such a charming sister."
"I don't want you to forgive me anything. Lord Maltravers," said Alfred haughtily, "and I beg, once for all, that you will not dare to take the liberty of mentioning Miss Van Hoosen's name in a billiard-room."
"But it's a club, you know."
"That makes no difference; don't do it."
"Eh?" said his lordship, calling the eye-glass into requisition again.
"Don't dare to do it."
"Did you say dare?"
"Certainly I did. Is it necessary to repeat it?" replied Alfred, turning away.
Maltravers stared after him, and taking up a cue began to knock the balls about, remarking as he did so: "Queer people, these Americans."
Sinclair ran after Alfred, and caught him at the door.