“I prefer to remain here, Mack. You may need me.”
“What I say may be quite unpleasant.”
“I may need to add to what you say. I’ll stay.”
“Very well. Mr. Fox, our strained relations must come to an end. If you can show any just cause why I’m at fault, I shall do all in my power to rectify it. I do not know the slightest reason for your attitude against me, but–––”
“You lie, sir!”
The minister’s lips tightened. “Only your age protects you in the use of that word to me. I repeat what I have said,––and it will be as well for you not to question my integrity again,––I do not know why you have treated me as you have. I now demand an explanation.”
“If you will favor us with a little of your family history first,” said the Elder with a sneering laugh, “there will be no need of any further explanation on my part.”
“You seem to think me a vagabond, or something quite as bad if not worse. Well, I’m not. My family history is nothing to brag about, but the record is clean. If you’ll be seated I’ll be glad to furnish you with such bits as may be of interest to you. It isn’t so difficult to hold one’s temper while sitting.”
Elizabeth lifted an imploring face to the minister. “Please, dear, don’t say anything more! For my sake, don’t. Wait till you both have had time to think over how foolish this all is.”