Walter did not answer, but walked to the window to collect his faculties. Arthur uttered a low whistle, and followed him with his eyes. A slight flush of anger rose to Hargrave's cheek; but in a moment, he turned calmly round, and said carelessly—
"I came here to bid farewell to Mrs. Huntingdon, and tell her I must go to-morrow."
"Humph! You're mighty sudden in your resolution. What takes you off so soon, may I ask?"
"Business," returned he, repelling the other's incredulous sneer with a glance of scornful defiance.
"Very good," was the reply; and Hargrave walked away. Thereupon, Mr. Huntingdon, gathering his coat laps under his arms, and setting his shoulder against the mantle-piece, turned to me, and, addressing me in a low voice, scarcely above his breath, poured forth a volley of the vilest and grossest abuse it was possible for the imagination to conceive or the
