, in a tone of deep despondency.

"Of course he is. I never saw him since; but be assured of what I have
just told you, that his libels carry no reproach. He is a calumniator by
temperament."

"I 'd have shot him, if I could have opened the door," muttered Glencore
between his teeth; but Upton heard the words distinctly. "What am I to
this man," cried he, aloud, "or he to me, that I am to be arraigned
by him on charges of any kind, true or false? What accident of fortune
makes him my judge? Tell me that, sir. Who has appealed to him for
protection? Who has demanded to be righted at his hand?"

"Will you not hear me, Glencore, when I say that his slanders have no
sting? In the circles wherein he mixes, it is the mere scandal that
amuses; for its veracity, there is not one that cares. You, or I, or
some one else, supply the name of an actor in a disreputable drama, the
plot of which alone interests, not the performer."

"And am I to sit tamely down under this degradation?" exclaimed
Glencore, passionately. "I have never subscribed to this dictation.
There is little, indeed, of life left to me, but there is enough,
perhaps, to vindicate myself against men of this stamp. You shall take
him a message from me; you shall tell him by what accident I overheard
his discoveries."

"My dear Glencore, there are graver interests, far worthier cares, than
any this man's name can enter into, which should now engage you."

"I say he shall have my provocation, and that within an hour!" cried
Glencore, wildly.

"You would give this man and his words a consequence that neither have
ever possessed," said Upton, in a mild and subdued tone. "Remember,
Glencore, when I left with you this morning that paper of Stubber's it
was with a distinct understanding that other and wiser thoughts than
those of vengeance were to occupy your attention. I never scrupled to
place it in your hands; I never hesitated about confiding to you what in
a lawyer's phrase would be a proof against you. When an act of justice
was to be done, I would not stain it by the faintest shadow of coercion.
I left you free, I leave you still free, from everything but the
dictates of your own honor."

Glencore made no reply, but the conflict of his thoughts seemed to
agitate him greatly.

"The man who has pursued a false path in life," said Upton, calmly,
"has need of much courage to retrace his steps; but courage is not the
quality you fail in, Glencore, so that I appe