Suddenly a flush of heat passed across his features, his eye kindled brightly, and his brow lowered.
He turned to Lester Vane, and in a sharp tone said—
“We have met before.”
Vane looked at him, somewhat surprised at the suddenness of his remark and at its tone. With equal quickness, it occurred to him that Mark recollected only at this moment the scene in Hyde Park. He was prepared for what was coming, and replied, quietly—
“Unquestionably, on my last visit here.”
“Before, sir, we encountered each other in this house. Look at my face well, sir; listen to the tone of my voice; and then tell me if your memory does not furnish you with the circumstances under which we, on a former occasion, confronted each other.”
Vane returned calmly his angry gaze; and, with a most collected manner, replied—
“But for your earnestness, Mr. Wilton, I should imagine you were jesting. Upon my honour I am unconscious of having had the satisfaction of meeting you previous to our introduction here.”
“We met, sir, in Hyde Park one evening——” commenced Mark, rather impetuously.
Vane stayed him.