"Madam, I command you!"
"Command away, then; I sha'n't budge a step."
"Mrs. Courtney, do you dare to brave my authority?"
"Your authority! It isn't the first time I have braved it."
"Take care that it is not the last!" he hissed, with gleaming eyes.
"Ugh! Don't look at me that way," said Laura, shuddering involuntarily at his unearthly look and tone. "I declare, if you're not enough to scare a person into the fever and ague! What a scowl! Edgar Courtney, you're worse than Nero, Heliogabalus, Mohammed, and all the other nasty old fellows, melted into one. Now I've made up my mind to stay here with Mrs. Brantwell, whether you like it or not; and you may do as you please, for all I care. Allow me to wish you good-night, and a pleasant journey to Westport."
And turning abruptly around, the indignant little lady quitted the room, leaving her spouse to his own not very pleasant reflections.
* * * * *
The company, by this time, had nearly all departed. Drummond, hat in hand, stood near the window, talking in low tones to Sibyl, whose face was now bright, radiant, unclouded.
Mr. and Mrs. Brantwell were still holding a parting conversation with some of their friends, among whom, stood young Stafford, watching Mr. Drummond, with a ferocious glance.