"That is an irregular proceeding."
"I don't care."
"And Miss Courteen?" Vernon was resolved to drag Charles to the real point at issue. "What is to become of Miss Courteen?"
"In either event, Mr. Clare will be able to escort her back to Curtain Wells."
"D—— n you," said Vernon, roused by his enemy's assumption of guardianship. "And what if she wishes to stay with me?"
"Mr. Lovely has her mother's authority to conduct her home," interposed Clare.
"What you two prim busybodies don't appear to understand is that Miss Courteen prefers to remain with me."
"Miss Courteen is not her own mistress. She is not of age," said Clare.
"And pray how do you propose to make her accompany you?"
"Why, in this way," interrupted Charles, shaking off his friend's arm, "in this way, Mr. Vernon. If you decline to meet me with pistols, by G—— I'll thrash you senseless with my crop."