“Madam!” exclaimed Alexander, firing up.
“You have, by forcing me to an explanation, sir, brought all this unpleasantness upon yourself. I would willingly have spared my own feelings and yours by keeping silent,” said the lady, very gravely.
“Madam, you have now said too much not to say more. Who is it that dares to question the blameless character of my young ward?”
“Common rumor, sir!”
“Common rumor!” exclaimed the young man, starting up. Then controlling his excited passion, and re-seating himself, he inquired grimly—“What is the nature of this injurious rumor?”
“Her name is associated with yours in a manner that must be fatal to the reputation of any young girl.”
Alexander stared blankly at the lady for a moment, and then exclaimed:
“Heaven and earth, Madam, what is it that you mean?”
“Sir, it is not courteous to cross-question me in this manner,” said Mrs. Irving, blushing between embarrassment and anger.
“Not courteous! Am I to be on courteous terms with one who is stabbing.—Madam, if you were not a woman—But let that pass. I now insist upon knowing what you mean by saying that Drusilla Sterling’s spotless name is associated with mine in a manner that must be fatal to her,” indignantly exclaimed Alexander.