"Oh, no, you won't!" cried Vernon, fiercely, in a voice hoarse with emotion. "I, at least, demand an explanation."
"An explanation?" and Rushford laughed, a little mocking laugh. "Can't your conscience give you an explanation? Or is it too deadened to do that?"
"No!" said Vernon, boldly. "My conscience gives me no explanation, which would in any degree warrant the words you have used to me, and which I am sure you will some day regret. It is true that my conduct here has not been wholly straightforward; but it is Prince Frederick I have wronged and not you in any degree. Your daughter—to whom, I presume, you referred—knew all—"
"All?" repeated Rushford, with irony.
"Perhaps not all, but I had intended waiting upon you this afternoon and explaining to you—"
"Oh! So you thought I was entitled to an explanation! Yes, my lord, it seems to me that your actions will require a great deal of explaining—more, certainly, than I have the patience to listen to. So I pray you will spare me. I don't know anything in God's wide world more contemptible than a married man who poses as single!"
"Married!" shrieked his lordship. "Poses! Oh!"
The door opened and Pelletan's head appeared.
"I knocked," he explained, obsequiously, "once—twice—and when none answered, Mees Rushford insiste'—"
"Miss Rushford!" cried Vernon.