"The answer was plain."
"But curt and uncivil. It was not such an answer as one gentleman may send to another."
"I said that eagles mate not with hawks."
"That is why I cannot think you understood. My family is at least as old as your own."
"On the father's side, perchance—but on the mother's?—Bah! we will not speak of it."
Young John Polperro's hand played nervously with the hilt of his sword; but still he kept his temper under control.
"I am come with my father's consent and approval," he continued; "I am come in person to offer my name and fortune—a name as good as your own, a fortune more than equal to that of the Killigrews."
"I give you the same answer that I gave to your messenger," was the response.
John Polperro still kept outwardly cool.
"Then I have another proposition to make," he continued, but this time his voice took a loftier tone. "I am here to offer Mistress Nancy Molesworth the protection of my father's house. I am here to offer her safety and honour!"