ter Manners is
outrageous. I will talk with him, and you can depart an you wish it."

Nothing loth, Sir George turned to go; glad to wash his hands of the
whole affair, and feeling thoroughly ashamed that it had ever fallen
to his lot to treat a guest in so inhospitable a fashion.

"I am sorry, Master Manners," continued the dame, as she watched the
retreating figure of her lord, "that Sir George has played his part so
ill. It had been kinder on his part had he introduced the subject in
another way, but he is ill-fitted for matters of business."

Manners had heard the rustle of her gown outside the door some time
before Lady Vernon had entered, and he shrewdly suspected that she had
been listening to the conversation. The manner in which she re-opened
the subject at once convinced him that his conjecture was right, and
knowing the integrity of the baron he was ready to defend him.

"Sir George meant well enough," he said.

"Come now, Master Manners, that was bravely said," replied the lady.
"He has a kind heart, but it is apt to be too kind at times, and then
I have to go over it all again; you understand?"

"Perfectly, but Lady Vernon----"

"And you will perceive that we are within our rights in disposing of
Dorothy as we wish," she continued. "Of course, she will consent to it
in time."

"Never," returned Manners, stoutly.

"You are but a youth, therefore you are bold, but mark my words, young
man, you will have less faith and more caution as your years come on."

"Will you accept Dorothy's choice?" asked Manners bluntly,
disregarding the last remark.

"Do you suppose, Master Manners," replied Lady Vernon, "that Dorothy
will withstand us? We are all agreed in the matter."

"All except Dorothy, maybe."

"And _she_ will soon----"

"I tell you never!" he replied hotly.

Lady Vernon laughed; a light, incredulous sort of laugh, which only
tended to enstrange them farther still.

"There are considerations of which you appear to be ignorant, sir,"
she replied, "but I am not willing to wound your feelings."

"That may be, and yet, perchance, there may be somewhat to be said on
the other side," he calmly rejoined.

Lady Vernon fixed her eyes upon him, astounded at his presumption,
but instead of crushing him under an avalanche of her wrath, she
restrained herself, and broke into another superficial burst of
laughter.

"Pooh," she said, "you are simply an esquire, and he is a knight."

"And he a knight