“In that case,” said I, courteously, “I am equally prepared to address myself to him. Will you kindly accord me an interview?”
“Are you a dun?” said he, rudely.
“No,” said I, smiling at the abruptness of the demand.
“Are you a tenant in arrear of his rent? or wanting an abatement?”
“Neither one nor the other.”
“Are you sent by a friend with a hostile message?”
“Not even that,” said I, with impassive gravity.
“Then, what the devil are you?” said he, rudely; “for I don't recognize you as one of my friends or acquaintances.”
I hesitated for a moment what reply I should make to this coarsely uttered speech. Had I reflected a little longer, it is possible that good sense might have prevailed, and taught me how inopportune was the time for such reprisals; but I was stung by an insult offered in presence of many others; and in a tone of angry defiance answered,—
“You may discover to your cost, sir, that my right to be here is somewhat better than your own, and that the day is not very distant when your presence in this domain will be more surely questioned than is mine now. Is that name new to you?” And as I spoke I handed him my card, whereupon, with my name, the ancient arms of my family were also engraved. A livid paleness suddenly spread over his features as he read the words, and then as quickly his face became purple red.