sister's behalf. But
when she entrusted herself to my keeping, she relinquished, I conceive,
all claim on _your_ guardianship: however, I thank you for the trouble
you have taken; but, for your own sake, I would venture to caution you
against a repetition of interference like the present."

"And I, sir, caution _you_. See that you give heed to my words, or, by
the heaven above us! I will enforce attention to them."

"You will find me, sir, as prompt at all times to defend my conduct, as
I am unalterable in my purposes. Your sister is my wife. What more would
you have? Were she a harlot, you should have her back and welcome. The
tool is virtuous. Devise some scheme, and take her with you hence--so
you rid _me_ of her I am content."

"Rookwood, you are a villain." And Vavasour spat upon his brother's
cheek.

Sir Reginald's eyes blazed. His sword started from its scabbard. "Defend
yourself!" he exclaimed, furiously attacking Vavasour. Pass after pass
was exchanged. Fierce thrusts were made and parried. Feint and appeal,
the most desperate and dexterous, were resorted to. Their swords glanced
like lightning flashes. In the struggle, the blades became entangled.
There was a moment's cessation. Each glanced at the other with deadly,
inextinguishable hate. Both were admirable masters of the art of
defence. Both were so brimful of wrath as to be regardless of
consequences. They tore back their weapons. Vavasour's blade shivered.
He was at the mercy of his adversary--an adversary who knew no mercy.
Sir Reginald passed his rapier through his brother's body. The hilt
struck against his ribs.

Sir Reginald's ire was kindled, not extinguished, by the deed he had
done. Like the tiger, he had tasted blood--like the tiger, he thirsted
for more. He sought his home. He was greeted by his wife. Terrified by
his looks, she yet summoned courage sufficient to approach him. She
embraced his arm--she clasped his hand. Sir Reginald smiled. His smile
was cutting as his dagger's edge.

"What ails you, sweetheart?" said he.

"I know not; your smile frightens me."

"My smile frightens you--fool! be thankful that I frown not."

"Oh! do not frown. Be gentle, my Reginald, as you were when first I knew
you. Smile not so coldly, but as you did then, that I may, for one
instant, dream you love me."

"Silly wench! There--I _do_ smile."

"That smile freezes me. Oh, Reginald, could you but know what I have
endured this morning, on your account