"I mean that a man who will fool and throw over a girl in a way that drives her away from home and friends is no fit escort—"
He got no further. He knew a thoroughly maddened and dangerous man when he saw one. He stepped back when Harlan dashed at him, and Thornton halted of his own accord. After a time he calmed himself enough to speak.
"I'll not begin with you, Linton. I'll begin with the man who started that damnable lie. Oh, that—that—!" He flailed his arms about his head, unable to express himself. "You've been lied to. You don't know any better than to say that. If you hadn't been jealous you'd never have brought the story to me. I'll make allowances," he raved on; "but the man who started that story will swallow it with teeth and blood mixed." He stamped about the room. It was so horrible that he could not grasp the enormity of the lie all at once.
Linton was impressed but not routed. He waited till Harlan was quieter.
"I hope you'll get it straightened out," he said, coldly. "But with a story like that extant, of course you'll see the wisdom of the course I've suggested. You cannot afford to drag Miss Presson's name into your affair."
"Into my affair! You dirty pup, do you dare to intimate—are you lunatic enough to take stock in any such story about me?"
The epithets sent the color into Linton's face. But he restrained himself.
"Your own grandfather had to take you in hand about the matter before you left Fort Canibas, Thornton. I heard him say that much myself. He gave no details. I don't care for any. I merely came to you to bring a hint as to what you ought to do. You don't seem to take the hint. If you haven't got manliness enough yourself to keep away from Miss Presson until this story—well, put it mildly, and say until this story is run down—then I propose to insist that you do so."
"Look here, Linton, I've usually got pretty good control of myself. I'm trying to hold myself in now—trying as hard as I can. What you have told me is a lie—a damnable lie. See? I say it calmly." He was quivering. "You don't know what you're talking about. I haven't the patience to explain to you. It's none of your business. You keep away from me. Now don't put any more strain on my self-control—in God's name, don't do it, Linton!"
"I am making no secret of my hopes in regard to Miss Presson," stated Linton, firmly. "I have been waiting until I could offer her what she has been accustomed to. You have the advantage of me in money, Thornton. But you're welcome to that! My hopes give me the right to guard her from scandal. I insist that you relieve her of your presence to-morrow evening!"