“Do you mean what you say, sir?”
“Yes I do! There!”
“And have you duly considered this, sir?”
“Yes I have! There!”
“And you know and are prepared to meet the consequences?”
“Yes! Do your worst! There!” said the old man, setting down his foot.
Major Cabell arose and walked up and down the floor in deep, perplexed thought. To say that he was surprised at this sudden, unexpected rebellion and daring on the part of Mr. Clifton would not be sufficient. He was just astounded, and could not surmise where the strength of the old man to oppose him, with his claims and his power, could come from! He thought some external aid had been given! He never guessed that it was the internal victory of conscience over cowardice.
Old Mr. Clifton also arose and stretched himself, expanding his chest, and taking a long, deep breath of intense relief and satisfaction, saying—
“Thank Heaven, I feel better. Feel more like a man than I have felt for ten years. Now let the worst come, I can meet it!”
Major Cabell glanced sideways at him, and continued his thoughtful pacing up and down the floor. He was possessed with a sort of ferocious passion for Zuleime, a passion fanned to fury by opposition. He was not one to bend his pride to sue. And yet he must have her! Soon, too!