"Well!" cried the young knight, impatiently; "I am waiting. Go
on!"
"My dear Kingsley," responded the count, in his easy way, "I
think you are laboring under a little mistake. I have nothing to
go on about; it is you who are to begin the controversy."
"Do you dare to play with me?" exclaimed Sir Norman, furiously.
"I tell you to take care how you speak! What have you done with
Leoline?"
"That is the fourth or fifth time that you've asked me that
question," said the count, with provoking indifference. "What do
you imagine I have done with her?"
Sir Norman's feelings, which had been rising ever since their
meeting, got up to such a height at this aggravating question,
that he gave vent to an oath, and laid his hand on him sword; but
the count's hand lightly interposed before it came out.
"Not yet, Sir Norman. Be calm; talk rationally. What do you
accuse me of doing with Leoline?"
"Do you dare deny having carried her off?"
"Deny it? No; I am never afraid to father my own deeds."
"Ah!" said Sir Norman grinding his teeth. "Then you acknowledge
it?"
"I acknowledge it - yes. What next?"
The perfect composure of his tone fell like a cool, damp towel on
the fire of Sir Norman's wrath.
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