"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 won't bear this! You shall answer this to me, sir!"
"Easily," said the other.
"And me too," said Rossitur. "You have an account to settle with me, Carleton."
"I will answer what you please," said Carleton carelessly,--"and as soon as we get to land--provided you do not in the mean time induce me to refuse you the honour."