His patience was already exhausted, and he proceeded in his expostulation, in language that she was by no means prepared to endure with apathy.

Lady Lucretia had always been accustomed to deference and submission; and, having got over something like terror, that was at first inspired by the imperious manner in which she was now catechised, her next feeling was that of the warmest resentment.

She disdained to satisfy so insolent a questioner, and even indulged herself in certain oblique hints calculated to strengthen his suspicions.

For some time she described his folly and presumption in terms of the most ludicrous sarcasm, and then, suddenly changing her style, bid him never let her see him more except upon the footing of the most distant acquaintance, as she was determined never again to subject herself to so unworthy a treatment.

She was happy that he had at length disclosed to her his true character, and would know how to profit of her present experience to avoid a repetition of the same danger.