“I don't know anything of the kind,” said Herbert, angrily. “I suppose you call yourself one.”
“Of course, I am a gentleman,” said Oscar, complacently.
“You don't talk like one, at any rate,” retorted Herbert.
This was new language for Oscar to hear. He had been accustomed to have his own way pretty much, and had been used to order round his father's servants and slaves like a little despot. The idea of being told by a boy who had to work for a living that he did not talk like a gentleman, did not suit him at all. His black eyes flashed and he clenched his fists.
“Do you mean to insult me?” he demanded.
“I never insult anybody,” said Herbert, not feeling particularly alarmed by this hostile demonstration. “It is you that have insulted me.”
“Didn't you tell me I was not a gentleman?” said Oscar, hotly.
“I said you did not talk like one.”
“That's about the same thing,” said Oscar.
“Just as you like. Even if I did say so, you said the same of me.”