All the Lancaster pride flushed into his face as he stood looking down at her from his haughty height, his arms folded over his broad breast.
"What cause had I given you," she repeated, stamping her little foot angrily on the earth, "to think that your caresses were agreeable to me?"
"She is a little shrew!" he said to himself, with sudden anger. "I will never give another thought to her."
With that thought he answered, coldly:
"If you were like other women, Miss West, I might exculpate myself in your eyes. But as it is, I can only say that I meant no harm, and I humbly crave your pardon."
"Like other women!" she flashed, haughtily. "What do you mean, Lord Lancaster? Does the misfortune of my poverty and lowly birth place me beyond the pale of your respectful consideration? Perhaps, were I Lady Adela Eastwood it would be different."
"What the deuce does she know about the earl's daughter?" he asked himself, in extreme astonishment; but he answered, eagerly:
"Yes, indeed, it would be different, Miss West. I should not look into the Magic Mirror over Lady Adela's shoulder, certainly; nor would I put my arm around her waist, but—"
He could not say another word, for she interrupted him, glowing with angry beauty.