Langholm looked upon the man who was looking upon him, and he could not hate him as he would.
"And do you still desire to dine with us ?" inquired his host at last.
"I don't want to be in the way," faltered Langholm, "on a painful--" "Oh, never mind that!" cried Steel.

"Are you quite sure you don't want to cut our acquaintance ?" "You know I don't," said Langholm, bluntly.
"Then come in, pray, and take us as we are." "One moment, Steel! All this is inconceivable; do you mean to say that your guests have thrown you over on account of--of--" "My wife having been a certain Mrs.Minchin before she changed her name to Steel! Yes, every one of them, except our vicar and his wife, who are real good friends." "I am another," said Langholm through his big mustache.
"The very servants are giving notice, one by one!" "I am her servant, too!" muttered Langholm, as Steel stood aside to let him pass out first; but this time it was through his teeth, though from his heart, and the words were only audible to himself..