"He actually did, Richard," said Mrs. Burton, smiling.
"I wonder you did not laugh in his face. Why, the man is fifteen years older than I am, twenty years older than you."
"That difference is not unprecedented. I did not reject him because he was older than myself. If you had been as old as he when you offered yourself, I think I would have accepted you."
"Poor old fellow! Did he take it hard?" asked Burton, half jocosely.
"If you mean did he show any traces of a broken heart, I answer no. But when, after pressing his suit persistently, he found my resolution to be inflexible, his face became distorted with passion. He swore that he would be revenged upon me some day, and that if I dared to marry any one else he would never rest till he had brought harm to the husband of my choice."
"I wish I had been there. I would have made him take back those words, or I would have horsewhipped him."
"Don't take any notice of them, Richard," said Mary Burton, hastily. "It will be much better."
"I agree with you," said her husband, his quick anger melting. "After all, the old fellow's disappointment was so great that I can excuse a little impetuosity, and even rudeness. You see, Mary, Wolverton isn't a gentleman."
"No; and never will be."