"What is it, mother? Open it. Don't be humbugged," said Fitz.
The poor woman opened the letter, and looked blankly at its contents.
"It is in French," she added.
"Marguerite always writes her letters in French," added the banker.
"Because she knows you can't read a word of French," sneered Fitz.
"No impudence, young man!"
"Don't, Fitz!" pleaded Mrs. Wittleworth.
"Mr. Checkynshaw, this business must be settled between me and you. You will not be permitted to take advantage of a woman's weakness to impose upon her," added Fitz, magnificently.
"If you use any impudence in this office, young man, I shall kick you out to-day as I did yesterday."
"Mr. Checkynshaw, I have my own views and opinions on this subject, and I claim the privilege of expressing them as a gentleman should. I have been to see Choate on this business; and me and Choate will see that justice is done to the unfortunate."