"Is it not Charles Ross?" said St. Aubyn to Ellen.
"Yes," she faintly replied; "but do not go back; he is certainly out of his senses."
By this time they had reached the carriage, and putting her into it, he shut the door; and saying, "Wait a moment, be not alarmed, I must speak to him," he ran back again, Sir Edward following.
Ross having, as soon as they were out of sight, disengaged himself from the by-standers, was hastening with frantic violence to overtake them: when he saw the two gentlemen, he advanced and said:
"You have thought proper, then, to come back; but what have you done with that unfortunate girl?"
"For the sake of your father, Mr. Ross," said St. Aubyn, "for now I know you, I will be patient and tell you."
"What can you tell me more than I already know?" cried Ross, interrupting him with angry vehemence. "Can you deny that you have seduced her whom I loved better than my own soul? Did you not bring her with you to London? I know it all, Sir: the woman where you lodged found you out. She saw how you had deceived my gentle, innocent Ellen."
"What words are these!" exclaimed St. Aubyn, haughtily. "Whence arises so vile an error?"
"Villain!" exclaimed Charles, with wild impetuosity, "deny not your crimes, but give me the satisfaction of a gentleman."
"You do not act like one," said St. Aubyn: "but here is my card; I am always to be found, and will give you whatever satisfaction you may require."