I want a quiet word or two--between ourselves." "Certainly." They stood face to face.

The one seemed uncomfortable, the other was his natural self--a little graver, perhaps, as if he felt what was coming, and prepared to meet it, knowing in whose presence he had to prove himself--what Richard Brithwood, with all his broad acres, could never be--a gentleman.
Few could doubt that fact, who looked at the two young men, as all were looking now.
"On my soul, it's awkward--I'll call at the tan-yard and explain." "I had rather you would explain here." "Well then, though it's a confounded unpleasant thing to say--and I really wish I had not been brought into such a position--you'll not heed my wife's nonsense ?" "I do not understand you." "Come, it's no use running to cover in that way.

Let's be open and plain.

I mean no offence.

You may be a very respectable young man for aught I know, still rank is rank.