"No explanation is necessary," he exclaimed.
Jack flushed indignantly.
"I presume," he said, "I have the honor of addressing Mr. Alfred Van Hoosen?"
"That is my name," replied the new-comer, stiffly.
"And the brother of this lady?"
"Precisely, sir."
"In that case, your relationship prevents me from taking the notice of your words which I otherwise should."
"Oh, sir," said Alfred Van Hoosen, as he smiled sarcastically, "pray do not let that stand in your way."
"I was simply desirous of assuring your sister that there was absolutely no foundation for the report to which she alluded."