'What next, sir ?' 'How long is it since you saw him ?' 'Who gave you the right to catechize me on this or any other subject ?' 'Oh, no one!--it's quite at your option whether to answer or not.

And now, let me ask--have you heard what has lately befallen this friend of yours ?--because, if you have not--' 'I will not be insulted, Mr.Markham!' cried she, almost infuriated at my manner.

'So you had better leave the house at once, if you came only for that.' 'I did not come to insult you: I came to hear your explanation.' 'And I tell you I won't give it!' retorted she, pacing the room in a state of strong excitement, with her hands clasped tightly together, breathing short, and flashing fires of indignation from her eyes.

'I will not condescend to explain myself to one that can make a jest of such horrible suspicions, and be so easily led to entertain them.' 'I do not make a jest of them, Mrs.Graham,' returned I, dropping at once my tone of taunting sarcasm.

'I heartily wish I could find them a jesting matter.