"No. I can understand your anger from your point of view."
"My point of view! My point of view!" raged Jen, stamping. "From the point of view of the world, sir! What will everyone say when they learn that you intend to defend Etwald?"
"They will say almost as cruel things as you have said," returned David, still composed. "But I do not care for the opinion of the public. I act according to the dictates of my own conscience."
Jen drew back and stared at the young man in angry surprise.
"Your own conscience!" he repeated, in disdain. "How can you talk in that manner? What excuse can you--"
"I have an excellent excuse," interrupted David, rising.
"What is it, if I may be so bold as to ask?"
"I refuse to tell you--at present."
"Indeed! And am I ever to learn the reason of your extraordinary behavior?"
David considered.