"It is clear you should have asked my leave first, all things considered," said Sir Harry, in the same tone.
The young man bowed his head.
"I see that very clearly now, sir; but I have been so miserable under your displeasure, and I do not always see things as my calmer reason would view them. I thought of nothing but my chance of obtaining your forgiveness, and, at so great a distance, I despaired."
"So it was to please me you set my authority at naught? By Jea! that's logic."
Sir Harry spoke this with a scornful and angry smile.
"I am the only near kinsman you have left, sir, of your blood and name."
"My name, sir!" challenged Sir Harry, fiercely.
"My second name is Rokestone—called after you," pleaded Mr. Marston.
"By my sang, young man, if you and I had borne the same name, I'd have got the Queen's letter, and changed mine to Smith."
To this the young gentleman made no reply. His uncle broke the silence that followed.