“Jack, you are out of temper,” said the major. “You are going to make a—”
“Fool of myself, eh? There, say it, man, say it,” cried the baronet hastily.
“I shall not say anything of the kind, Jack,” replied the major good-humouredly; “but let’s talk sensibly, old fellow.”
“Yes, of course, sensibly,” cried Sir John sharply. “You are going to turn advocate and speak on that telescopic scoundrel’s behalf. What the dickens do you mean by sticking yourself here when I’m going out on business!”
“Tchut! tchut, Jack! don’t be so confoundedly peppery,” cried the major. “Now, look here, boy, what are you going to do?”
“Going to do? I’m going to horsewhip that fellow, and make him write a humble letter of apology to Rob. If he doesn’t, Rob shall call him out.”
“Now, my dear Jack, don’t talk nonsense!” cried the major.
“Nonsense, sir? It isn’t nonsense. It’s all very fine for you, with your scientific humbug, to be making friends with the star-gazing scoundrel. You fellows always hang together and back each other up. But look here, Jem, I’m not going to be meddled with in this matter. You have interfered enough.”
“I only want you, as a gentleman, to behave like a gentleman to Mr Alleyne.”
“You leave me alone for that, Jem. Insolence! The poor girl came home all of a tremble. She’s quite white this morning, and looks as if she ought to have a doctor to her. It’s your fault too, Jem, ’pon my word it is.”