"And speak to him?"
"It was difficult to avoid doing that. You see, I had met him once or twice, and when he came to me I had to be civil."
"The impertinent upstart!" cried Mr. Justice Bolitho, and there was almost a snarl in his tones.
"He's not looked upon in that light in London," said the girl. Somehow, she knew not why, she wanted to defend him against her father's evident dislike.
"We live in a topsy-turvy age," said the Judge. "Do you know what the fellow did? He actually had the temerity to write, asking for my consent to pay his addresses to you! You did not know of this, of course?"
"No." The word escaped her almost mechanically, but she felt a warm flush pass over her face.
"I never knew of such impertinence! Fancy the fellow whom I sent to jail only a few years ago daring to think of such a thing! Had he come to me in person, I think I should have had him horsewhipped. And he ought to be horsewhipped, too. Why——" And then he laughed harshly.
Mary Bolitho did not reply. Somehow words did not come easily to her. All the same, a feeling of hot rebellion came into her heart.
"I answered him, of course," went on the Judge. "At first I thought of returning his letter without any remark whatever. Still, I sent him a few words which I think will have a beneficial effect on his colossal cheek!"
"What did you say?" asked the girl.