e that you do not comprehend my relations with Lady
Feodora?" demanded the baronet. "Let me explain, then, that we have
been affianced from our childhood."

"Indeed!"

"You could not help seeing that our relations were of this kind."

"I did suppose there was something of this description."

"Then allow me to say again that you have made a very ungenerous use of
your position."

"In what respect?"

"You have extended to Lady Feodora many attentions," said the baronet,
becoming more and more excited.

"Only ordinary courtesies."

"But such courtesies as belong to me rather than to you. I am devotedly
attached to her."

"If any of my attentions were not agreeable to the lady, she had only
to decline them."

"There you presume upon the position which circumstances have given
you."

"If Lady Feodora is attached to you----"

"She is not attached to me."

"Then you make a very ungenerous use of your position," retorted
Shuffles, rather warmly.

"What do you mean, sir?" demanded Sir William.

"If your parents and hers made a bargain for her which she repudiates,
I say it is ungenerous in you to use such an advantage as that bargain
gives you."

"Do you mean to insult me?"

"Certainly not; only to speak as plainly as you have spoken. If my
presence is disagreeable to the lady, I will avoid her."

"Your presence is not disagreeable to her," added Sir William, unable
to conceal his vexation.

"Then you will excuse me if I decline to treat her with the rudeness
you suggest."

"I find I am mistaken in you, and I regret that you compel me to ignore
the obligations under which you have placed me."

"I cheerfully absolve you from any obligations which may weigh heavily
upon you. But I assure you, I have no ill-will towards you, and I shall
continue to treat you with courtesy and kindness. In about a week, our
ship's company will return to Brest, and sail for the United States. It
is not probable that I shall ever see Lady Feodora or you again."

"Will you pledge yourself never to see her again after this week?"
demanded Sir William.

"I will not--certainly not," replied Shuffles. "I do not purpose to
interfere in any way with your relations to her. If she desires to see
me, and it is possible for me to see her, I shall not deny myself that
pleasure."

The baronet suddenly turned upon his heel, and walked rapidly towards
the hotel. Shuffles was amazed. He could not conceal from himself the
truth that