On seeing Alexander enter, Anna started up from the sofa, and hurried from the room.
“Good morning, sir. I hope I have not disturbed my cousin?” said Mr. Lyon, bowing, and shaking hands with his uncle.
“Sit down, Alick,” said the old man, without replying to his observation. “I wish to speak to you.”
Alexander seated himself, and looked attentive.
“Alick, I saw how much annoyed you were last night by Richard’s marked attentions to Anna, and her seeming encouragement of them.”
“‘Seeming,’ sir! It was more than seeming; and much more than mere ‘encouragement.’ Sir, she solicited those attentions,” said Alexander, with scarcely suppressed indignation, and entirely forgetting that he certainly had no right to object to all this.
“Tut, tut, tut, tut, boy, that is very strong language. However, I can overlook it, as the provocation was very great. But, Alick, it was only the mischievous spirit of a spoiled beauty on her part, and the vanity of a coxcomb on his. I have had them both up before me this morning, and spoken some words to them that they will not readily forget. Anna has dismissed Richard once for all. And he has bid us good-bye, and is gone for good.”
Alexander looked up in surprise and pleasure.
“Yes, it is so,” said the general.
“Excuse me, sir, was that the reason why my cousin was so very much overcome, and ran from the room as soon as I came in?” questioned Alexander, his jealous doubts again awakening.