"Major Coventry! Edward!" she cried.
"Are you a 'Lady,' madam?" said O'Neill, in equal surprise, addressing the astonished girl and paying no attention to the officer.
"For what else do you take her, sir?" interrupted the officer, bristling with indignation.
"Faith, sir, I would take her 'for better or worse,' an I could," replied the Irishman, smiling.
"Unfortunately for you, that is a privilege I propose to exercise myself," said the Englishman, sternly.
"The world will doubtless share my regret, sir," said the Irishman, audaciously, a bitter pang in his breast at this unlooked for news.
"Now I wish to know who you are and how you come here and what you are doing,--an explanation, sir!" asked the officer.
"I am not accustomed to give explanations save to those who have the right to demand them," replied O'Neill.
"I have two rights, sir."
"They are?"