"My path is right across where you are standing," said Frere.
"Well, step aside and leave me alone!"
It was so dark the men only appeared as shadows one to the other. Their voices, each of them growing hot and passionate, seemed scarcely to belong to themselves. Frere came a step nearer to Awdrey.
"You shall have it," he cried. "By the heaven above, I don't want to spare you. Let me tell you what I think of you."
"Sir," said Awdrey, "I don't wish to have anything to do with you—leave me, go about your business."
"I will after I've told you a bit of my mind. You're a confounded sneak—you're a liar—you're no gentleman. Shall I tell you why you interfered between me and my girl to-night—because you want her for yourself!"
This sudden accusation so astounded Awdrey that he did not even reply. He came to the conclusion that Frere was really mad.
"You forget yourself," he said, after a long pause. "I excuse you, of course, I don't even know what you are talking about!"
"Yes, you do, you black-hearted scoundrel. You interfered between Hetty Armitage and me because you want her yourself—she told me so much to-night!"
"She told you!—it's you who lie."