Meanwhile the two men remaining in the sitting-room drew nearer to
each other, and the opera-singer broke the silence by saying, 'How
could you insult me in the way you did, calling me a fellow, and
accusing me of poisoning her mind toward you, when you knew very
well I was as ignorant of your relation to her as an unborn babe?'
'Oh yes, you were quite ignorant; I can believe that readily,'
sneered Laura's husband.
'I here call Heaven to witness that I never knew!'
'Recitativo--the rhythm excellent, and the tone well sustained. Is
it likely that any man could win the confidence of a young fool her
age, and not get that out of her? Preposterous! Tell it to the
most improved new pit-stalls.'
'Captain Northbrook, your insinuations are as despicable as your
wretched person!' cried the baritone, losing all patience. And
springing forward he slapped the captain in the face with the palm
of his hand.
Northbrook flinched but slightly, and calmly using his handkerchief
to learn if his nose was bleeding, said, 'I quite expected this
insult, so I came prepared.' And he drew forth from a black valise
which he carried in his hand a small case of pistols.
The baritone started at the unexpected sight, but recovering from
his surprise said, 'Very well, as you will,' though perhaps his tone
showed a slight want of confidence.
'Now,' continued the husband, quite confidingly, 'we want no parade,
no nonsense, you know.
Pages:
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259