"It is! it is true! The whole county knows it is true!" vociferated Alfred. "And if anybody here doubts it, let them ask old Hannah Worth if her nephew isn't a ——"
"Leave the room, sir!" exclaimed Walter, interrupting him before he could add another word. "Your language and manners are so offensive as to render your presence entirely inadmissible here! Leave the room, instantly!"
"I won't!" said Alfred stoutly.
Walter was unwilling to release Ishmael from the tight, half-friendly, half-masterly embrace in which he held him; else, perhaps, he might himself have ejected the offender. As it was, he grimly repeated his demand.
"Will you leave the room?"
"No!" replied Alfred.
"James, do me the favor to ring the bell."
James Middleton rang a peal that brought old Jovial quickly to the room.
"Jovial, will you go and ask your master if he will be kind enough to come here; his presence is very much needed," said Walter.
Jovial bowed and withdrew.