Rossitur and Thorn were in company with a brother officer, and friend of the latter, when Mr. Carleton approached them.
"Mr. Rossitur and Mr. Thorn," said he, "you have indulged yourselves in a style of conversation extremely displeasing to the little girl under my mother's care. You will oblige me by abandoning it for the future."
There was certainly in Mr. Carleton's manner a sufficient degree of the cold haughtiness with which he usually expressed. Displeasure, though his words gave no other cause of offence. Thorn retorted rather insolently.
"I shall oblige myself in the matter, and do as I think proper."
"I have a right to speak as I please to my own cousin," said Rossitur, sulkily, "without asking anybody's leave. I don't see what you have to do with it."
"Simply that she is under my protection, and that I will not permit her to be annoyed."
"I don't see how she is under your protection," said Rossitur.
"And I do not see how the potency of it will avail in this case," said his companion.
"Neither position is to be made out in words," said Mr. Carleton, calmly. "You see that I desire there be no repetition of the offence, the rest I will endeavour to make clear, if I am compelled to it."
"Stop, Sir!" said Thorn, as the young Englishman was turning away, adding with an oath "I wont bear this! You shall answer this to me, Sir!"