"Then we are to consider this as a further unprovoked unmitigated insult, for which you will give neither reason nor satisfaction!" cried Rossitur.
"I have already disclaimed that, Mr. Rossitur."
"Are we, on mature deliberation, considered unworthy of the honour you so condescendingly awarded to us yesterday?"
"My reasons have nothing to do with you, Sir, nor with your friend; they are entirely personal to myself."
"Mr. Carleton must be aware," said Captain Beebee, "that his conduct, if unexplained, will bear a very strange construction."
Mr. Carleton was coldly silent.
"It never was heard of," the Captain went on, "that a gentleman declined both to explain and to give satisfaction for any part of his conduct which had called for it."
"It never was heard that a gentleman did," said Thorn, removing his cigar a moment, for the purpose of supplying the emphasis, which his friend had carefully omitted to make.
"Will you say, Mr. Carleton," said Rossitur, "that you did not mean to offend us yesterday, in what you said?"
"No, Mr. Rossitur."