“I do.”
“You are aware that the people of my state are divided on the great question that now disturbs the country; consequently a charge, however weak and unfounded, against me, would find plenty of believers. I have enemies. All I demand is fair play.”
“You shall have it, major; for, deeply as you have injured me, or attempted to injure me, I assure you I bear no personal ill will towards you.”
“Thank you for so much; but you say I have attempted to injure you. I am not conscious of any such attempt.”
“Major Riggleston, this is all idle talk while you assume that position—while you pretend to be ignorant of the matter with which I charge you; and I must decline holding any further intercourse with you at present. Let me add, however, that I will not make charges until you are present to defend yourself.”
“So far your conduct is honorable; if you would go a step farther, and state distinctly with what you charge me, I should be infinitely obliged to you.”
“That is useless. From a gentleman I should not expect such duplicity as you exhibit in pretending to know nothing about the charge.”
“I have pledged you my honor that I don’t know what you mean; that I am not conscious of having given you any offence, much less done anything which can justify you in calling me a traitor.”
“Do you know Miss Maud Hasbrouk?” demanded Somers.
“Of course I know her. You are perfectly aware that, though she is a rebel, she is a friend of our family.”