nal that you can't help it?"

"I don't understand you."

"You shall presently. For some time back I have been thinking of asking
an explanation from you--an explanation of your conduct at the villa.
Before you had established an intimacy there, _I_ stood well with
everyone. The old woman, with all her respect for my family and
connexions, was profuse in her attentions. Of the girls, as I somewhat
rashly confided to you, I had only to make my choice. I presented you
to them, never anticipating that I was doing anything very dangerous to
them or to myself, but I find I was wrong. I don't want to descend to
details, nor inquire how and by what arts you gained your influence; my
case is simply with the fact that, since _you_ have been in favour, _I_
have been out of it My whole position with them is changed. I can only
suggest now what I used to order, and I have the pleasure, besides, of
seeing that even my suggestion must be submitted to you and await your
approval."

"Have you finished?" said Loyd, calmly.

"No, far from it! I could make my charge extend over hours long. In
fact, I have only to review our lives here for the last six or seven
weeks, to establish all I have been saying, and show you that you owe me
an explanation, and something more than an explanation."

"Have you done now?"

"If you mean, have I said all that I could say on this subject, no, far
from it. You have not heard a fiftieth part of what I might say about
it."

"Well, I have heard quite enough. My answer is this, you are totally
mistaken; I never, directly or indirectly, prejudiced your position. I
seldom spoke of you, never slightingly. I have thought, it is true, that
you assumed towards these ladies a tone of superiority, which could not
fail to be felt by them, and that the habit grew on you, to an extent
you perhaps were not aware of; as, however, they neither complained of,
nor resented it, and as, besides, you were far more a man of the world
than myself, and consequently knew better what the usages of society
permitted, I refrained from any remark, nor, but for your present
charge, would I say one word now on the subject."

"So, then, you have been suffering in secret all this time over my
domineering and insolent temper, pitying the damsels in distress, but
not able to get up enough of Quixotism to avenge them?"

"Do you want to quarrel with me, Calvert?" said the other calmly.

"If I knew what issue it would take, perhaps I