“What do you mean, sir?” said Major Gordon, temporarily losing control of himself, at this crowning piece of insolence: and he pushed Selim close to Aylesford.
“I mean what I say, sir,” answered the latter, drawing back his horse, and putting his hand on his sword.
But a moment’s reflection recalled our hero to himself.
“Put up your sword,” he said, contemptuously; “I have no quarrel with you. I was on my way,” he continued, “to call on Miss Aylesford, and from her, if from anybody, must I receive notice that my visits are disagreeable.”
“Do you question my word?” fiercely said Aylesford, again interposing his horse across the road.
“I merely deny your right to prescribe who shall, and who shall not visit her.”
“That is the same thing.” And he stuttered, white with rage, “sir, sir—”
“Permit me to pass,” said Major Gordon sternly
“Never.”
The temptation was strong to rush Selim at his antagonist, ride him down, and pass on. But Major Gordon was still unwilling to be driven into a brawl; and therefore, after a moment’s pause, during which he was conquering his anger, he wheeled his horse about in order to seek another road.