Who gave you authority to do any such thing? was again in Charlton's eyes, and an odd twinge crossed his mind; but, as before, his thoughts were silent.
"My part of the business cannot have been arranged," he said, "for it lies in a question or two that I must put to the gentleman myself."
"What will that question or two probably end in?" said Mr.
Carleton, significantly.
"I can't tell!" said Rossitur; "depends on himself, it will end according to his answers."
"Is his offence so great that it cannot be forgiven upon my entreaty?"
"Mr. Carleton!" said Rossitur "I would gladly pleasure you,
Sir; but, you see, this is a thing a man owes to himself."
"What thing, Sir?"
"Why, not to suffer impertinence to be offered him with impunity."
"Even though the punishment extend to hearts at home that must feel it far more heavily than the offender?"
"Would you suffer yourself to be insulted, Mr. Carleton?" said
Rossitur, by way of a mouth-stopper.