'Most certainly you do, if you are really under the impression that I fought Mr.
Dunborough on your account, my girl!' 'Did you not ?' she stammered; and the new-born doubt in her eyes betrayed her trouble.
'Mr.Dunborough struck me, because I would not let him fire on the crowd,' Sir George explained, blandly raising his quizzing glass, but not using it.

'That was why I fought him.

And that is my excuse.

You see, my dear,' he continued familiarly, 'we have each an excuse.

But I am not a hypocrite.' 'Why do you call me that ?' she exclaimed; distress and shame at the mistake she had made contending with her anger.
'Because, my pretty Methodist,' he answered coolly, 'your hate and your love are too near neighbours.