Carolina Langdon drew herself up in her most dignified manner.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Haines, but you must accept it," she said.
"Exactly," seconded Norton. "Senator Langdon entirely declines to receive you."
"I don't trust anything you say, Congressman Norton, and I may say also that I recognize no right of yours to interfere in any affair between me and the Langdon family."
"Perhaps I can explain my right, Mr. Haines," Norton said coolly, stepping beside Carolina. "I have just had the pleasure of announcing to Miss Hope Georgia Langdon my engagement to Miss Carolina Langdon."
Haines, entirely unprepared for such a dénoûement, shot a searching glance at Carolina. She bowed her head in affirmation.
"So that's why you tried to ruin me!" he cried. "You're both from the same mold," turning from Carolina Langdon to Congressman Norton, then back to the girl.
They stood facing each other when Randolph Langdon returned. At sight of Bud Haines he started, stopped short a second, then came forward quickly.
"Mr. Haines, my father has declared that he will not see you, and either you leave this house at once or I shall call the servants."
Bud looked at young Langdon contemptuously.