"So had I," said her husband. "You don't seem to think I can ever get tired, even when I've been working like a dog."
"What time is it?" asked John.
"Most seven."
"Seven is our breakfast-hour at home," said John, quietly. "As you did not tell me you breakfasted earlier here, you could not expect me to get up sooner than I did."
"That's true, Mr. Oakley," said Mrs. Huxter.
"So you're siding with him,—are you?" said Mr. Huxter, angrily.
John was far from being a coward. He was disposed to treat every one with courtesy and respect, but expected to be treated in the same way. Mr. Huxter's manner was so very offensive, and his words so dictatorial, that his anger was excited. He felt that he could not with proper self-respect remain silent longer.
"Mr. Huxter," he said, fixing his eyes calmly on the face of his host, "you seem to forget that I am your guest, and entitled to be treated with common politeness."
"Mr. Oakley is quite right," said Mrs. Huxter. "You have been very rude to him."