“‘Do I understand you to be offering me marriage Mr. Anglesea?’
“He took his hand from the back of my chair, over which he had been leaning, and walked away with a look of petulance and annoyance. Presently he returned to my side, and said:
“‘Dearest Elfrida, men do not offer marriage under these circumstances.’
“I turned and looked him straight in the face as I demanded:
“‘What, then, is it that you do offer your friend’s sister?’
“He winced slightly, but answered:
“‘All that a man may offer—under the circumstances—love, devotion, protection. My heart and my fortune. The use of my country seat and town house until—ahem!—such settlements as may secure your future from want. Elfrida, hear me!’
“And again he poured forth a torrent of insults, which pretended to be love, admiration, adoration—what you will, but which were gross insults. When he had talked himself out of breath I only answered:
“‘Mr. Anglesea, you have offended me beyond hope of pardon. Leave my presence at once, and never dare to enter it again.’
“He did not go, but stood there and recommenced his insulting suit.